Patricia Ferguson's committee published its report on fixed links in Scotland's islands on Friday, arguing that the UK Government should not treat the issue as solely devolved when projects could advance wider national interests.
The report examines developed proposals in Shetland and the Western Isles. It says permanent links could strengthen local economies, improve access to services and help communities retain population, while also supporting clean energy, space launch capability and national security.
Shetland's preferred programme includes four subsea links and is estimated at about £1.5 billion. A proposed Sound of Harris link has been estimated at between £109.6 million and £145.1 million.
The committee does not endorse any particular scheme and says affected communities must decide whether projects should proceed. It also warns that fixed links would work only for a limited number of shorter crossings and cannot replace the urgent need to improve ferries.
Its central recommendation is that the Government should consider both financial and non-financial support, including engineering expertise, guarantees, loans, risk sharing and involvement by national institutions such as the National Wealth Fund.
Ferguson, the Labour MP for Glasgow West and chair of the committee, now has a clear test for ministers: project appraisals should give proper weight to social, cultural and strategic value, even where direct economic returns alone would not justify construction.
