Shetland has not traditionally been a popular destination among train spotters, reported The Shetland Times recently. But all that could be about to change for the Shetland Island Council has conjured up an innovative solution to the head­ache of how to connect dis­parate rural communities – an under­ground tube system spanning the length and breadth of the isles.

It is understood the idea – erroneously placed on the local authority’s website earlier this week before swiftly being removed – was first floated by bright-thinking transport officials in January. It has now developed into a key component of a £400,000 study into subsea tunnels recently approved by councillors.

The Shetland Times can exclu­sively reveal that the ambitious plans would see six separate tube lines built, including a north-south route stretching from Sumburgh to Norwick and an east-west line span­ning Foula and Skerries (see map above). If the so-called “Shetland Tube” project is to succeed in linking each of the community’s populated islands, at least eight subsea tunnels will be needed.

In a move likely to go some way towards healing divides within the Whalsay community, its under­ground line will stop at both North Voe and South Voe. As part of on­going efforts to regenerate Fetlar, the island would get its own direct underground connection with Lerwick.

Indeed, the scheme appears to knit together a whole raft of existing council initiatives – just the sort of “joined-up thinking” which officials are being urged to foster under chief executive Alistair Buchan. Continue reading