Transport Scotland proposed CalMac Ferries Limited Subsidy to the Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU): FOI release

Information requested

“On 30 October 2024, Transport Scotland submitted a request to the Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) for a report under section 52 of the Subsidy Control Act 2022. This referral concerned the proposed subsidy to CalMac Ferries Limited (CalMac) for the provision of lifeline ferry services.

I request the following:

All documentation held by the Scottish Government and/or Transport Scotland relating to the referral of the proposed subsidy to CalMac to the SAU, including but not limited to:

1. Internal communications (including emails, memos, meeting notes or minutes);
2. Drafts of the referral and the final version submitted to the SAU;
3. Communications with the SAU before, during, or after the referral process;
4. Submissions, representations, or observations received from members of the public, stakeholders, or external organisations in response to the referral and accompanying call observations;
5. Any internal or external analysis, briefing notes, legal advice, or reports concerning the proposed subsidy or the relative value for money of continuing public ownership of ferry services versus privatisation.

2. Details of any documentation that was prepared but later withdrawn, including:

• A list or description of any such withdrawn material;
• The reasons for its withdrawal;
• Any communications or records explaining the decision to withdraw it.

Any internal or external advice or analysis commenting on or responding to the SAU’s observations, particularly regarding the issue of whether not pursuing privatisation of lifeline ferry routes may lead to higher costs to the taxpayer.”​​​​​​​

Response

I have set out a response to each of your questions in the attached annex of this letter.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202500488698 - Information Released - Annex

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