A major project will begin next year to replace all of Shetland’s ferry linkspans.
The work, which is the first of its scale to be undertaken for around 20 years, will close each terminal to vehicle traffic for about two to three days.
The project will include refurbishing the ferry service’s spare linkspan unit and replacing the existing control hut with a new pre-fabricated version.
This will contain a standby generator to run security and ICT equipment, navigation and LED street lighting, as well as hydraulic and control equipment.
The project will run from around May 2019 to September 2021.
Councillor Ryan Thomson, chair of the Council’s Environment and Transport Committee said: “It’s really good to see this work finally getting under way.
“Our linkspans are critical to our fleet operation and any fault has a significant effect on the ability of an island community to function effectively.
“There will, by the very nature of the work, be times when the ferries won’t be able to transport vehicles, and we do appreciate that that will have an impact, especially on people living in the isles.
“We are doing what we can to plan for that, and will make sure the necessary information is shared with anyone who may be affected, both on and off-island, well in advance of any work.”
