Transport / Impending Unst ferry timetable change ‘reinforces case for fixed link’, tunnel group chair says
It comes as SIC officials continue to explore an updated timetable for the ferry to Unst after a new requirement to secure large vehicles – with the likely result being fewer sailings per day
THE PROSPECT of fewer ferry sailings to and from Unst per day has drawn concern from the island’s tunnel action group – who believe it strengthens the case for fixed links.
Unst Tunnel Action Group chairman Alec Priest said the likely reduction in sailings due to the time needed to lash down large vehicles is “deeply concerning”.
Shetland Islands Council (SIC) officials have been working on changing the timetable for the ferry service between Yell and Unst following the new requirement for all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes to be lashed down on deck – irrespective of weather and tidal conditions.
The direction, from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), came after a large cement mixer toppled over on the Unst ferry Bigga in October.
No injuries were sustained although one person was treated for shock and some vehicles were damaged.
Council ordered to lash down large vehicles on Bluemull route after Bigga incident
With crew saying they need an additional ten minutes to undertake the required lashing, it has been known for some time that the timetable will have to change.
More details were given at a meeting of the SIC’s environment and transport committee on Tuesday, where it was spelled out plainly that it is likely to result in less sailings between Yell and Unst.
And during the summer where traffic is at its highest, capacity will not need demand.
Priest said the topic had been discussed at a meeting of the Unst Tunnel Action Group on Tuesday evening.
“The planned deterioration in ferry service will have a devastating effect on our community and local businesses,” he said.
“For many, these crossings are a lifeline – essential for commuting, transporting goods, and sustaining economic activity.
“A less frequent service along with lower ferry capacity will only exacerbate existing challenges, making it harder for businesses to operate efficiently, increasing costs, and limiting opportunities for growth.
“The knock-on effects will be significant: delayed deliveries, restricted access to essential services, and increased isolation for those who rely on the ferry for work, education, and healthcare.
“This disruption is coming at the worst possible time, just when the space industry at the spaceport will be expanding and requiring more transport capacity, not less.
“The economic opportunities presented by the space industry and other local sectors must not be undermined by an increasingly inadequate ferry service.”
Priest said in his view this “reinforces the case for a fixed link”.
Tunnel campaigners have long argued that fixed links would provide a way forward that increases islands’ sustainability.
Priest described it as a “stable, weather-proof, and future-proof solution that does not compromise the viability of our islands”.
“A tunnel is not just an alternative—it’s an absolute necessity for the long-term sustainability of our community,” he argued.
“The disruption caused by ferry limitations only strengthens the argument that investment in fixed links is the right way forward.”
Businesses have also voiced their concern at the prospect of less sailings.
It comes off the back of heightened disruption to services last year due to factors including a lack of crew cover and mechanical problems.
At Tuesday’s meeting ferry and airport operations manager Andrew Inkster conceded that the service was struggling to meet peak demand already.
Reflecting on the extra time needed to get sailings ready following the MCA requirement, he said “given the volumes of traffic we saw last year where we barely coped with the turnaround times that we have at the moment, I think it will only make that situation worse”.
He said officers are trying to come up with a timetable that minimises this impact – “but there will be an impact”, Inkster said.
Inkster continued by saying there would be less runs during the day, as crews are restrained by working hours.
“We are looking at changes to shift terms and conditions which would extend our working day, but that will take time to introduce, so at the moment we will be looking at reducing the number of runs,” Inkster added.
Infrastructure director John Smith said the council is stuck in a “box” where there is not the capacity required.
He said the primary requirement for ferries was to deliver a safe service, and secondary to that was maintaining the timetable.
“If the demand exceeds the capacity of being able to do that safely, then we do have to find ways to try to minimise and manage the impact of that,” Smith added.
“But I don’t think we can eliminate the impact of that if more people want to travel than can be accommodated.”
He used the example of how other transport operators, such as NorthLink Ferries, struggle with capacity at peak points.
Committee chair Moraig Lyall said “this season we are going to see a reduction in the capacity on that route, which already is struggling to meet the demand”.
“So that demand constraint will only get worse.”
Drop-in sessions will be held at the Baltasound Hall in Unst on 5 March between 3.30pm and 7.30pm.
Sessions are also being held in Bressay, Yell, Fetlar and Whalsay/Skerries.
Online events are being arranged for Foula and Papa Stour following discussions with those communities.
The council said on Tuesday: “The information received will help form the basis of a robust strategic business case, which councillors will consider later in the summer.
“They’ll be asked to make decisions on which options will go forward for more detailed appraisal.
“At that stage, further engagement with island residents and the wider public will take place.”
Earlier this year the owner of a tearoom in Unst told Shetland News that ferry disruption was one reason why she decided to change the way her business runs.
Victoria Mouat said 2024 was “probably own of the worst years” at Victoria’s Vintage Tea Rooms in Haroldswick in terms of visitor numbers, with ferry disruption affecting things.
This year the cafe will not be staffed as it has previously been, with a ‘cake fridge’ style set-up operating inside instead.
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