Tunnels to be considered in islands transport plan

The potential for road tunnels to connect up some Scottish islands could be examined by the Scottish government.

Transport Scotland has proposed carrying out detailed appraisals of tunnels linking parts of the Western Isles and Mull and the mainland.

The islands are currently served by ferries.

Transport Scotland said fixed links could improve reliability and connectivity, but added that some islanders were concerned about a loss of island identity and increased traffic.

The appraisals are mentioned in Transport Scotland's Islands Connectivity Plan, which has been put out for public consultation. It has proposed examining the suitability of tunnels for:

• Sound of Harris - linking Uist and Harris/Lewis

• Sound of Barra - linking Barra and Uist

• Mull and the Scottish mainland

Transport Scotland said a previous review had identified the potential for tunnels for some islands.

The agency said: "It concluded that replacing ferry services with fixed links can improve reliability, connectivity, capacity and travel times, and allow for the wider reconfiguration of ferry services."

But it added that some islanders had concerns and more detailed studies were needed.

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil is among supporters of the idea of road tunnels similar to those linking communities in the Faroe Islands.

Leading Scottish engineer Andy Sloan has also previously spoken of the potential benefits of the fixed links.