Case study

£26.8 million to upgrade Fair Isle ferry (Levelling Up Fund 2)

Almost £27 million from the Levelling Up Fund has been provisionally allocated to Shetland Islands Council to help fund a new ferry for Fair Isle.

From:
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Published
23 October 2023

The Fair Isle ferry

The Fair Isle ferry provides a vital link between Fair Isle, the most remote habited island in the United Kingdom, and Shetland mainland. The Isle’s current ferry, Good Shepherd IV, is nearing the end of its lifespan. After functioning for 37 years, it has become slow and unreliable. A new, larger vessel will ensure that Fair Isle remains a habitable place for years to come.

The new ferry will help islanders:

  • access healthcare and education
  • welcome visitors
  • import essential supplies

The new ferry will host several new features, including:

  • a roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry service
  • increased passenger capacity

Find out more about Levelling Up

Updates to this page

Published 23 October 2023

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