Delay to the MV Caledonian Isles correspondence: FOI release

Information requested

All correspondence that Fiona Hyslop and her advisors sent and received regarding the delay to the MV Caledonian Isles that was announced on 22 July 2025.

Response

I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption(s) under section(s) Section 30(b)(i) (Free and Frank Provision of Advice) and Section 38(1)(b) (Personal Information) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons for this are set out below.

Sensitive information which could personally identify individuals has been redacted under Section 38(1) (b) (Personal Information). However, Special Advisers and Senior Civil Servants are exempt from this and are therefore included.

Information relating to the free and frank provision of advice has been redacted under Section 30(b)(i) (Free and Frank Provision of Advice). This exemption facilitates and protects the free and frank provision of advice, particularly in the context of Scottish Ministers and their decision-making processes. This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because of the ongoing outage of MV Caledonian Isles, and the anticipation surrounding the vessel's return to service. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in providing Scottish Ministers with robust and detailed advice, allowing them to make informed decisions.

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FOI 202500477335 - Information released - Annex

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