SNP minister Stephen Flynn is urged to refer himself for investigation after emails exposed his ferry gas leak 'cover-up'

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026 · last updated 9 October 2026.

SNP Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn is facing calls to refer himself to independent ministerial code advisers after freedom of information emails revealed that his office had been alerted to a dangerous CalMac ferry gas leak just 27 minutes before he told a Holyrood committee he was unaware of it. A faulty valve released 700kg of highly flammable methane from MV Glen Sannox, which had 82 passengers on board, in June 2025. Flynn said he had missed the BBC Scotland report that morning because he was 'FaceTiming my kids', yet two emails sent to his office beforehand had already included a suggested answer in case the issue arose at committee.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay accused Flynn of conspiring with officials to execute a 'sleekit, skin-saving cover-up'.

Flynn subsequently signed off a statement clearing himself — prompting transport committee convener Willie Rennie to warn he was 'only making things worse for himself'.

Flynn insists the FOI confirms he 'was not briefed', but admits his committee performance 'wasn't acceptable'.