Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry

02/09/2026

People across Scotland who faced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic have had their experiences documented by the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry's Let's Be Heard project.

Today's publication draws on some of the experiences of more than 12,500 people across Scotland, including thousands of employees, key workers and those made redundant during the pandemic. The publication reveals stark differences in how workers say they were treated and protected, depending on their sector, employer and role.

Read the full publication on our website: https://www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/voices-of-businesses-individuals-lbh-vol-1

25/08/2026

The Inquiry's implementation preliminary hearing begins today at 10am.

Lord Brailsford, Chair of the Inquiry, will outline the procedural arrangements for our implementation hearings, due to commence on 5 October 2026.

Lord Brailsford, Chair of the Inquiry, will outline the procedural arrangements for the Inquiry’s Implementation Hearings, which are due to commence on 5 October 2026. He will set out the investigative themes to be examined during the hearings and comment on the selection of witnesses from organis...

02/07/2026

We have published an update on the arrangements for implementation hearings scheduled for October, following issues with public access to our premises at Waverley Gate.

The Inquiry has a high degree of confidence these hearings will be held as planned – in-person in Edinburgh. Further details will be confirmed as soon as possible.

A preliminary hearing for October’s hearings will take place virtually on 25 August.

15/05/2026

Workers told us of flawed processes and operational failures, which put them and their colleagues at risk. Their experiences will be preserved to help Scotland be better prepared in future.

Trade unions and professional bodies gave evidence to the Inquiry about what their members faced – and what they believe needs to change.

Read what they told us: https://www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/narrative-record-health-social-care?utm_campaign=p3.21

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) RCN Scotland UNISON Scotland Unite Scotland

14/05/2026

For thousands in Scotland, COVID-19 didn't end when restrictions lifted.

The Inquiry heard from adults and representatives of children about living with long COVID – and the challenges faced by a lack of understanding.

Read the full Narrative Record: https://www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/narrative-record-health-social-care?utm_campaign=p3.20

Long Covid Scotland MEAction Scotland Long Covid Kids

13/05/2026

There are roughly 800,000 carers in Scotland. We were told that most felt invisible to the system.

The Inquiry heard how unpaid carers – largely unrecognised – carried on against the odds during the pandemic.

Read what they said: https://www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/narrative-record-health-social-care?utm_campaign=p3.19

12/05/2026

The Inquiry heard evidence about how some ‘Do Not Attempt CPR’ decisions were made during the pandemic in Scotland. We were told how these decisions caused further confusion and conflict for families coping with a loved one being in care or hospital.

Read the full Narrative Record: https://www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/narrative-record-health-social-care?utm_campaign=p3.18

11/05/2026

Scotland's addiction support workers kept showing up – through letterboxes, garden gates and windows – when services shut down around them.

The Inquiry heard how the pandemic reshaped addiction support across Scotland:
🔵 Charity staff delivered methadone and other prescriptions directly to individuals who had no transport to reach GPs or pharmacies
🔵 Around 70% of some residential service users had no phone, leaving them digitally cut off from support and family

Read the full publication: https://www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/narrative-record-health-social-care?utm_campaign=p3.17

08/05/2026

Pregnancy during a pandemic. Birth without a partner. Neonatal care through a screen. In some cases, pregnancies were lost.

The Inquiry heard from midwives, nurses, and mothers about one of the most isolating experiences of the pandemic.

Read the full publication: https://www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/narrative-record-health-social-care?utm_campaign=p3.16

07/05/2026

Witnesses told the Inquiry that when statutory services locked down, Scotland's mental health charities stepped up.

We heard that those experiencing poverty, inequality and isolation were among the hardest hit by lockdown.

Read the full publication: https://www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/narrative-record-health-social-care?utm_campaign=p3.15

Health in Mind, Penumbra Mental Health, Samaritans, SAMH