Swinney backs Flynn in ferry gas leak row and says 'nobody's perfect'
Summary
First Minister John Swinney supports Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn regarding a gas leak incident on a CalMac ferry, stating Flynn had not been briefed before a recent committee meeting. Emails show Flynn’s office was contacted about the leak, but he was not given the information before speaking at the meeting.Key Facts
- The gas leak happened on the MV Glen Sannox ferry in June 2025, releasing 700 kg of flammable methane gas.
- Stephen Flynn told a transport committee on 9 September 2026 he was unaware of a BBC news report about the leak published nine hours earlier.
- Flynn said he missed the report because he was on a video call with his children before the meeting.
- Emails show Flynn’s office was contacted twice about the story before the committee meeting, but Flynn was not briefed.
- First Minister Swinney said Flynn recognized he should have been informed and fixed the issue quickly.
- Transport Scotland confirmed Flynn had not been briefed and emails to his office were not shared with him.
- The director of ferries at Transport Scotland knew about the leak and was preparing responses before the meeting.
- Some media reports and emails suggested attempts to cover up Flynn’s lack of preparation, but Flynn denied being briefed.
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