Plans to build undersea tunnels to replace inter-island ferries in Shetland have been given a £23million boost.
The Scottish Government has pledged £23m to progress the project over the next three years.
Shetland Islands Council have approved plans for a tunnel between the mainland and the island of Yell and another tunnel to the northern island of Unst.
The islands of Whalsay and Bressay could be connected by the construction of two more tunnels.
The total cost of the project has been estimated at around £1.5billion with the Yell tunnel earmarked for a 2034 opening date.
The Faroe Islands serve as the inspiration for the Shetland tunnels project. The first island-connecting tunnel was built in the 1960s cutting travel times by over 75% in the last decade.
Council leaders say the tunnels would be cheaper than building new ferries and replacing harbours.
The council currently runs ferry services to nine islands, carrying around 750,000 passengers each year on 12 vessels at a cost of £23m per year.
However costs of the ageing ferry fleet have risen sharply in the past decade, with some routes struggling to meet demand.
Locals who rely on helicopters in medical emergencies, have welcomed the project.
Stephen Flynn, transport secretary, said: “We realise the full scale of the cost, but we measure that cost against the alternative, which is the continuous use of the small vessels in Orkney and Shetland and the Western Isles.
“Looking at that picture in the round is what we want to do in partnership with the local authority to determine the route of travel. If that says tunnels are affordable and deliverable, then we’re keen to explore that with them.”