Politics · United Kingdom · 3 hrs ago
Scotland calls for renewed military presence near Shetland
Scottish officials want military forces returned to waters near Shetland to protect the islands, north of mainland Scotland.
The proposal reflects concern about possible Russian sabotage of undersea cables and space infrastructure, including a spaceport on the island of Unst.
A recent analysis cited by The Sunday Times recorded more than 500 instances of Russian ships over undersea cables, but ships being there does not prove sabotage was planned.
The cables carry much international telecoms traffic, and damage could disrupt data transfers and emergency services.
Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael called for a permanent and focused military presence in nearby waters.
The sources do not say whether the UK government will act on the proposal.
Scottish authorities have called for military presence to be restored near the Shetland Islands in a Cold War-era style.
The proposed measures are intended to protect strategic UK infrastructure, including undersea communications and space facilities.
The Sunday Times reported concerns about possible Russian sabotage, but the presence of Russian ships near cables does not prove sabotage preparations.
Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael called for a “permanent and targeted” military presence in nearby waters.
- Who
- Scottish authorities have called for renewed military protection; Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael backed the proposal.
- What
- They want military presence restored near Shetland to protect strategic infrastructure from suspected sabotage.
- When
- The reports were published on November 1, 2026.
- Where
- Near the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland.
- Why
- Authorities cited concerns about possible Russian sabotage targeting undersea communications and space infrastructure.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow was not preparing for war with Europe, according to Lenta News.
Lenta News and URA.RU reported calls to restore military presence near the Shetland Islands.
- Location
- Shetland Islands, north of Scotland
- Proposal
- Restore military presence in nearby waters
- Supporter
- Alistair Carmichael, Liberal Democrat MP
- Undersea vessel activity
- More than 500 recorded instances of Russian ships over cables
- Reported date
- November 1, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
We must seriously consider any threat, especially now that we are considering the possibility of building a vertical-launch spaceport in the Shetland Islands.
The Shetland Islands need military protection in a Cold War setting against the Russian threat.