Islanders Demand Tunnels, Not Ferries, to Stop Population Decline

Campaigners across Scotland’s islands are pushing for a radical solution to unreliable ferry services: undersea tunnels. They argue that aging ferries are causing depopulation and that tunnels are the necessary modern fix. For residents like Alec Priest, a technician on Shetland, the daily commute is broken by two ferry crossings. These routes cross tidal sounds known for strong currents. While perhaps scenic for tourists, the ferries mean delays, stress, and extra cost for workers and businesses. Islanders say the frequent ferry disruptions hurt local economies and make life unsustainable. They believe fixed tunnel links would provide the reliable, 24-hour connections needed for communities to thrive. The campaign, stretching from Shetland to the Western Isles, is now urging the Scottish government to invest in tunnels as a long-term solution to secure the islands' future.