Bus timetable changes during Dales Lees road closure

Scottish and Southern Energy Network (SSEN) announced yesterday the dates for roadworks on a section of the A968 north of Voe, in the North Mainland - known as the 'Dales Lees' road. This will result in a road closure for all through traffic from Tuesday 8 July to Friday 24 October 2025 with all vehicles diverted through Brae during this period.

In response, Shetland Islands Council has adjusted the timing of Service 23 (Lerwick to Toft) and Service 24V (Integrated Service to the North Isles) to help maintain ferry and bus connections for residents of Yell, Unst and Fetlar.

From Tuesday 8 July:

• The 17:10 Service 23 departure from the Viking Bus Station will move to 17:00, Monday to Saturday.
• The 14:20 Service 24V departure from Tesco will move to 14:10, Monday to Friday.
• The 13:55 Service 24V departure from Tesco will move to 13:45 on Saturdays.

Shetland Islands Council and ZetTrans recognise that slightly earlier departures may cause inconvenience to some passengers during this period. These timetable alterations represents the least disruptive option overall, as holding ferries or changing multiple connecting services would have significant impacts across the wider inter-island network.

The roadworks and associated road closure form part of SSEN's North Mainland Reinforcement Project - a major infrastructure upgrade to enhance the electricity distribution network in Shetland.

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Published: 27th June 2025