Orkney tunnel

The Orkney tunnel is a suggested undersea road tunnel between Orkney and Caithness on the Scottish mainland. The expected length of it would be about 9–10 miles (15–16 km).

A map of the Orkney archipelago showing topography and main transport routes. A small island with a high elevation is at south west. At centre is the largest island, which also has low hills. Ferry routes spread out from there to the smaller islands in the north. — Map of Orkney showing topography and main transport routes

The tunnel, if constructed, is assumed to make landfall on South Ronaldsay. In 2005, the tunnel was discussed, and then a total bill of £100 million was mentioned.^[1]^[2] There has not been so much discussion after 2005.

There are also suggested plans to connect Orkney Mainland to Shapinsay.^[3]

With recent developments of the renewables industry in the Pentland Firth, the idea of a tunnel has lost ground, though there have been discussions of the construction of a bridge over the top of a Pentland Tidal Array.

References

^ David Lister (5 September 2005). "Islanders see a brighter future with tunnel vision". The Times. Archived from the original on 13 May 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2007.
^ John Ross (10 March 2005). "£100m tunnel to Orkney 'feasible'". The Scotsman. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
^ "Isle tunnel plans under spotlight". BBC News. 9 March 2005. Retrieved 8 June 2009.

[1] David Lister (5 September 2005). "Islanders see a brighter future with tunnel vision". The Times. Archived from the original on 13 May 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2007.

[2] John Ross (10 March 2005). "£100m tunnel to Orkney 'feasible'". The Scotsman. Retrieved 5 February 2012.

[3] "Isle tunnel plans under spotlight". BBC News. 9 March 2005. Retrieved 8 June 2009.

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