Scottish Covid inquiry: What was your experience of the pandemic?

Scots have been asked to share their experiences of Covid and what they believe should be learned by the Government’s handling of the pandemic.

Let’s Be Heard: Sharing Scotland’s Covid Experience has been launched as part of the inquiry into the country’s response to coronavirus.

Experiences shared with the project will be “at the heart” of the inquiry’s investigations with it is looking at people’s experiences of the pandemic; the impact the experiences had on them or people they know, and what lessons should be learned.

The inquiry is investigating the Scottish Government’s response to the pandemic between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, and will establish facts, lessons to be learned and make recommendations to Scottish ministers to ensure the country is better prepared in future.

The UK’s main Covid inquiry began last August, but Scotland’s has been delayed after four members of its legal team stood down last October and its chair Lady Poole quit.

Lady Poole, who quit for personal reasons, has been replaced by Lord Brailsford.

It is due to begin in July.

A website has been launched at lbh.covid19inquiry.scot and printed submissions will be available in GP practices, care homes, pharmacies and libraries.

Dr Alexandra Anderson, head of Let’s Be Heard, said: “Everyone in Scotland has been affected by the pandemic.

“Thousands of people have lost their lives, and many continue to be deeply impacted. Lessons people believe should be drawn from their experiences, both positive and negative, will be at the heart of the inquiry’s investigations.

“Our internal research team will analyse the experiences people share with us and produce a series of reports to help shape the inquiry’s investigations and inform its reporting and recommendations to Scottish Ministers.”