A new report will also make recommendations for the seismic survey locations that will contribute to the determination of the alignments of the tunnels.

The Unst and Yell Tunnel Action Groups (UTAG & YTAG), which have spearheaded efforts to advance the tunnel project, have successfully raised the necessary funds to initiate the commission of this vital investigative work.

Norwegian consultancy Norconsult has been engaged to carry out the project, thanks to financial contributions from local businesses, individuals, and community supporters who have backed the initiative. Norconsult has undertaken projects of this kind throughout Scandinavia and the Faroe Islands.

“We are delighted to have been able to engage such highly experienced industry experts. Norconsult will bring the skills and experience that they have gained from their work in areas where tunnelling is well established to our project and indeed the UK” said Duncan Gray, joint chair of Unst Tunnel Action Group.

Site visits are set to begin at the end of March, with fieldwork expected to take up to three months, followed by a report within six weeks of completion.

“This is a huge step forward for the project, which we see as being absolutely vital for the long-term social and economic sustainability of our communities,” said Graham Hughson, joint chair of Yell Tunnel Action Group. “Norconsult’s role will be to prepare the basis for carrying out seismic ground investigations using sonar technology, provide a follow up and report on the seismic investigations, prepare the tunnel alignments (choosing the most probable alignments using updated grade requirements), and prepare overviews and longitudinal sections for the tunnels. Should adjustments be needed following the seismic investigations, Norconsult will refine the alignments accordingly.”

The seismic surveys themselves, which will be commissioned separately, are expected to be completed in 2026. The seismic investigations will be carried out by the Norwegian company GeoPhysix, as a sub-consultant to Norconsult.

“We are absolutely delighted to have reached this breakthrough stage in the project’s development, and to finally be laying the groundwork to make things happen,” commented Alice Mathewson, joint chair of Unst Tunnel Action Group.

“It is thanks to the many businesses and private individuals in our communities and beyond who have donated to the Groups that we have been able to reach this milestone moment. It is the donators’ vision and generosity that has enabled us to move forward so significantly from planning to real action. We are incredibly grateful for every contribution.”

“We look forward to working closely with The Unst and Yell Tunnel Action Groups and contributing to the realisation of the project. The assignment demonstrates that Norconsult has strong and sought-after tunnel expertise in an international context,” said Kristian Aunaas, director of infrastructure at Norconsult.