Questions relating to the Corran Ferry: FOI release

Information requested

Questions relating to the Corran Ferry:

• When was the use of the Ministry of Defence first raised within the Scottish Government to potentially provide temporary support for the Corran Ferry, while the permanent ferry is out of action.
• When was the official request made by the Scottish Government to ask for assistance to potentially provide temporary support for the Corran Ferry, while the permanent ferry is out of action.
• When did the Scottish Government receive confirmation from the Ministry of Defence that it would provide assistance to potentially provide temporary support for the Corran Ferry, while the permanent ferry is out of action.
• What actions have the MOD taken to support the Scottish Government so far to potentially provide temporary support for the Corran Ferry, while the permanent ferry is out of action, and when did they begin.

Response

I enclose a copy of all of the information you requested.
Scottish Government officials were first notified on 12th April that military aid had been raised as a possible mitigation or temporary solution to support the Corran ferry route.

Local authorities have responsibility for the delivery of ferry services, and therefore the implementation of any temporary replacement service for the Corran ferry service is a matter for the Highland Council. It is for the local authority to manage both the repair of the MV Corran/MV Maid of Glencoul, but also any mitigations in the meantime, before either comes back into use. This extends to whether or not the local authority wishes to ask the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for assistance, including through any Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) request.

Scottish Government Directorates and Departments do not submit requests directly to the MoD. Applications are submitted through the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland. Resilience Division are able to assist with this process but the official request would be made by the local authority. The First Minister’s Office consider whether to support any requests received. The FM in supporting an application underwrites the cost of the MACA.

The Scottish Government understands that the MoD was on site on 20th and 21st April to undertake an assessment of its capability to assist. The Scottish Government further understands that the Council has received a report from the MoD and this is being reviewed by the Council to determine what action, if any, can be taken as a consequence of the MOD’s findings. Scottish Government officials have sought to clarify more detail around potential costs and have been informed that greater detail can be provided once a MACA request is made. Whether that request is made or not is for Highland Council to decide.

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