We will continue to work to secure support from Scottish Government to ensure financially and environmentally sustainable internal ferries services,
....so we can continue to provide links between the islands that are reliable and support economic and social wellbeing, and will continue to pursue fixed links, where they can be proven to be a viable alternative
We are continuing to engage with the Scottish Government through their Ferry Replacement Task Force and, through that, making the case for replacement vessels. As is noted elsewhere in this report, Scottish Government now provide full revenue funding for the Council’s Inter-island ferries service, which was a significant achievement delivered in the lifetime of Our Ambition.
Recognising the ageing vessels and shore-side infrastructure, we have continued to deliver our scheduled maintenance programme and repairs, following breakdowns. Over the last two years, we have completed major linkspan work at Symbister, Laxo, Gutcher and Hamarsness terminals, as well as repainting at Toft. Planned works for 2024 include the replacement of two type A linkspans at Bressay and Lerwick Ferry Terminals and one type B linkspan at Hamarsness Ferry terminal in Fetlar.
The Inter-island Transport Connectivity Programme will deliver a robust Strategic Business Case and Outline Business Case for the inter-island transport network, upon which decisions can be taken on future connectivity options between Shetland’s islands. The Programme Manager was appointed in September 2023, with essential governance arrangements put in place, including a Programme Board, Partnership Sounding Board and Community Stakeholder/User Group, all of which are now meeting.
Tender documentation to appoint a consultant to undertake the business case and associated work was finalised early in 2024, with an appointment anticipated around Easter.