The Scottish government is open to discussions about introducing tunnels as an alternative to ferries to link different islands. The government acknowledges the benefits of island tunnels, citing the success of the Faroe Islands in significantly reducing travel times at a fraction of the cost of other infrastructure projects. However, severe budget constraints pose a challenge to implementing such projects.
Last week, The National quizzed Yousaf while on the MV Loch Seaforth about whether he could ever see tunnels being introduced as an alternative to ferries to link different islands. MacNeil said he hoped the trip would point Scottish focus towards the huge benefits of island tunnels, which have cut travel times significantly in the Faroes at a fraction of the cost of HS2.
When asked whether he would support the idea, Yousaf said the Government were open to it but warned of severe budget constraints as ministers try and pile energy into new vessels. “It’s a legitimate question, but we ‘re discussing this at a time when the UK Government has now cut our capital budget by £1.3 billion. “So our capital budget is really constrained, but we’re definitely open to conversations about fixed links and a number of island communities are working on feasibility studies. “There’s other European countries that have done it very well, the Faroe Islands are probably the stand out. “So we’re always up for that discussion but at the moment we’re putting a lot of our capital infrastructure into the building of new vessels by 202
Scottish Government Tunnels Ferries Islands Alternative Travel Times Budget Constraints Infrastructure Projects
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Local authority reverses council tax hike after arguing with Scottish GovernmentInverclyde Council has said residents will receive a reduction in their council tax bills after councillors agreed to a one-off credit for the 2024-2025 financial year.
Read more »
Scottish stars demand UK Government ends arms exports to IsraelFAMOUS Scots Brian Cox, Annie Lennox and Frankie Boyle are among high-profile figures to have signed the open letter ...
Read more »
SNP Government claims free higher education would be in Scottish constitutionThe claim was made as part of the twelfth independence prospectus paper published by Ministers.
Read more »
Joanna Cherry accuses Scottish Government of 'McCarthyism' over Hate Crime lawJoanna Cherry suggested that Police Scotland's logging of hate incidents was curbing freedom of speech.
Read more »
UK space agency to open Scottish office for first timeThe UK Government agency will open an office at Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh, which is already home to a number of UK departments.
Read more »
Scottish Government Backs Groundbreaking Ecocide LawsGroundbreaking ecocide laws which will see reckless company bosses jailed for environmental destruction have been backed by the Scottish Government, the Sunday Mail can reveal. Scotland looks likely to become one of the first countries to officially recognise ecocide as a crime.
Read more »