A Highlander has proposed moving Shetland's freight and passenger transport services from Aberdeen to Dundee. This suggestion aims to address Shetland's growing transportation needs and promises economic and environmental benefits.
In a letter published in the Shetland News, Cecil Robertson, from Inverness has set out the proposal.
The proposal argues that Dundee offers excellent opportunities for growth. By investing in road, rail, and air infrastructure, Dundee could become a key hub for Shetland's connections to mainland Scotland. This shift would allow larger vessels to operate, improving the movement of goods and passengers.
A riverside berth in Dundee, using a jetty for roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) traffic, could simplify logistics by avoiding the city's docks.
The proposal questions who would finance the necessary developments in Dundee. It suggests that Forth Ports, which owns Dundee Harbour, or the Scottish and UK governments could help. Forth Ports recently gained 'Freeport' status, which includes tax breaks that might assist with funding.
Despite potential benefits, the proposal expects resistance from the Scottish Government and Aberdeen Harbour Trust due to vested interests. It calls on these bodies to prioritise Shetland's long-term needs.
The letter stresses that Shetland's transportation is a public issue since the vessels are taxpayer-owned. It urges the Shetland Islands Council to support the move to Dundee, as it aligns with the long-term interests of Shetland's residents.
If Dundee is not viable, the proposal mentions Hirtshals in Denmark as an alternative destination, highlighting its established market connections, similar to the Faroe Islands.
Comments