Transport secretary Stephen Flynn briefed on ferry gas leak before criticised committee hearing

FOI documents posted on the Scottish Government website show that Stephen Flynn was sent a briefing package early on the day of his transport committee appearance, containing one outlet's story about a methane leak on the Glen Sannox ferry. Civil servants suggested a line directing inquiries to the vessel’s owner and operator. During the hearing, Liberal Democrat MSP Willie Rennie asked Flynn whether he had been briefed; Flynn responded that he had not and said he missed the news while FaceTiming his children.

Later, he reiterated that he had not been briefed, despite the email evidence indicating he received Transport Scotland’s position at 8.48 am. Transport Scotland maintains that a high-level media statement does not constitute a formal briefing, noting the previous transport secretary was briefed when the incident occurred last year. The episode has drawn criticism that senior officials set Flynn up for failure.