Shetland eyes Faroes-style tunnels to replace ageing ferries
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life, she says.
Faroes are more connected, with rising house prices, and visitors able to explore more of the islands, she adds.
Shetland Islands Council is working on plans for tunnels to Yell and Unst, as part of its wider future infrastructure and transport strategy.
Officials believe tunnels can help boost the economy, attract investment and encourage more young people to stay and work on the islands.
But not everyone is convinced.
Labour member of the Scottish Parliament Rhoda Grant, for Highlands and Islands, says she wants to see better ferry services and improved digital connectivity before tunnels are considered.
“Tunnels would only speed up the journey,” she says.
“It is not the journey but the destination that is important. We need to invest in our communities, in skills and in opportunities for individuals so that more people can reach their full potential,” adds Ms Grant.
Scottish Labour MSP Rhoda Grant says investment should focus on communities and opportunities
Meanwhile, the Faroes are already looking to the future.
A contract has been signed to build the world’s longest and deepest undersea tunnel to connect Streymoy and Sandoy.
When completed in 2033, it will stretch 28 miles (45km) and reach a depth of 600m (1,968ft).
It will also feature artificial lighting meant to mimic daylight due to how far below the waves it is.
While the project is ambitious, it is hoped the tunnel will make it easier to move goods and people around the islands, stimulate growth and boost the population.
“This is not science fiction or a utopia, but a practical and realistic project,” says Dr Heina Midjord, co-owner of Faroese engineering company Bladt and Company.
“There’s no reason that similar projects cannot take place on much smaller scales around the world,” she adds.
A tunnel connecting Streymoy and Sandoy will be one of the longest and deepest in the world
And with the Shetland tunnels project still in its early stages, islanders in the North Sea archipelago will be watching closely to see what benefits the Faroe Islands can bring.
After all, says tunnel builder Mr Sloan, if they can build them, “why can’t we?”
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