Liberal Democrats bring first ever debate on fixed links to Scottish Parliament

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Shetland and rural affairs spokesperson Beatrice Wishart will today lead the Scottish Parliament’s first ever debate on fixed links with proposals to transform how Scotland’s island and remote communities are connected.

The party will use Tuesday’s debate to call on the government to invest in fixed links, such as tunnels and bridges, to better connect remote and island communities across Scotland.

Earlier this year, Ms Wishart visited the Faroe Islands to see their tunnel infrastructure and to discuss with representatives from the Faroese Government how the islands had benefitted. The newest tunnel in the Faroe Islands, due to open this month, will mean that almost 90% of the population and 18 islands are connected.  

Commenting ahead of the debate, Ms Wishart said:

“By supporting local economies, strengthening access to public services like healthcare and enhancing cultural ties, fixed links have real potential to reverse the devastating effects of depopulation from our island communities. They also have the huge advantage of cutting carbon emissions by reducing reliance on inter-island ferries.

“It’s not just our islands that could benefit. In the Highlands, Liberal Democrats have been campaigning tirelessly to replace the Corran ferry with a fixed link. When that ferry service breaks down, people are left with a 42-mile detour just to travel 500 metres.

“I’ve seen first-hand how the Faroe Islands are linking up 18 islands and almost 90% of their population, protecting them from bad weather and breakdowns.

“I will use today’s debate to urge the government to deliver the political will and investment required to bring transport infrastructure into the 21st century and link communities long into the future.”