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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 05/10/2026

Starting tomorrow, the Inquiry begins its next phase of public hearings. These hearings will examine the implementation of Scottish Government policies and guidance relating to the pandemic. You can watch all hearings and find out more information on our website: www.covid19inquiry.scot

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 01/10/2026

Thousands of parents, carers, early years and education professionals have shared their experiences of providing care and learning during the pandemic in a new publication by Let’s Be Heard, the Inquiry’s public participation project.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 16/09/2026

Thousands of people across Scotland told us that they struggled to make ends meet during the pandemic. Find your own experience reflected in Let's Be Heard's latest publication: www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/voice...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 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. Read the full publication on our website: www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/voice...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 24/03/2026

Today we have published a Narrative Record of evidence heard about the pandemic response's impact on health and social care in Scotland. It captures the experiences of patients, service users, carers, bereaved families, health workers and others. www.covid19inquiry.scot/news/impact-...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 23/10/2025

Chief Executive of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry, @ianduddy.bsky.social provides an update on the work carried out by the Inquiry so far in 2025 and outlines key milestones for 2026. Read the full Chief Executive's Update on our website: www.covid19inquiry.scot/news/chief-e...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 06/10/2025

Last week we completed hearings examining the use of lockdown and other measures. We were privileged to host visits from @edinburghnapier.bsky.social and @heriotwattuni.bsky.social as they observed our expert panels. You can watch the sessions back on our website: covid19inquiry.scot/hearings

Students from Heriot-Watt University standing with Ian Duddy, Chief Executive of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry

Napier University students standing with Lord Brailsford, Chair of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry. They are in the Inquiry's hearing suite.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 26/09/2025

Through #LetsBeHeard, young students shared how the pandemic’s impact went beyond just online learning. We heard how the entire student experience was affected – social connections, skills development and preparation for working life. See what they said: www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/voice...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 19/09/2025

We will hear from: 🔵 Professor Nicole Busby - Professor in Human Rights, Equality and Justice, @uofglasgow.bsky.social 🔵 Professor @paulcairney.bsky.social - Professor of Politics and Public Policy, @stir.ac.uk For more information please visit our website: covid19inquiry.scot

Professor Nicole Busby is Professor of Human Rights, Equality and Justice at the University of Glasgow. They have over 30 years of experience focused on EU law, labour law, equality law, and human rights. She holds a PhD in Law, with a specialism in EU and UK sex equality law. She has held key advisory roles and currently serves on the Scottish Government’s Human Rights Incorporation and Implementation Oversight Board.

Professor Paul Cairney is Professor of Politics and Public Policy at the University of Stirling. He specialises in UK and Scottish Government policymaking, with a particular focus on public health and inequalities. He served as Special Advisor to the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee inquiry into effective government decision-making, and as an Expert Witness to the UK COVID-19 Inquiry, providing a written report and oral evidence on Scottish political governance.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 19/09/2025

We will hear from: 🔵 Professor James Wilson (@profwilson.bsky.social) - Professor of Philosophy at @ucl.ac.uk 🔵 Professor Michael Parker - Professor of Bioethics and Director of @ethoxcentre.bsky.social, @ox.ac.uk

Professor James Wilson is Professor of Philosophy at University College London, specialising in the ethical and philosophical dimensions of public health and public policy. He has served on the English National Data Guardian’s Panel of Advisers since 2016, contributing ethical guidance on health data, including during the pandemic. This included roles on the NHS COVID-19 App Ethics Advisory Board and as co-investigator on the UK Pandemic Ethics Accelerator.

Professor Michael Parker is Professor of Bioethics and Director of the Ethox Centre at the University of Oxford, based in the Nuffield Department of Population Health. A leading voice in global health bioethics, he has extensive experience embedding ethics into large-scale scientific initiatives and advising on public health responses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as the ethics expert on the UK’s SAGE group (2020–2022) and contributed to policy on digital contact tracing and event safety.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 19/09/2025

We will hear from: 🔵 Lord Jonathan Sumption - Author, historian, former senior judge who sat on the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom between 2012 and 2018 🔵 Professor David Miles - Professor of Financial Economics at Imperial Business School (@imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social)

Lord Jonathan Sumption is a former Justice of the UK Supreme Court (2012–2018) and previously practised in commercial and public law. A former history fellow at Magdalen College, Oxford, he has written extensively on European history. He delivered the 2019 BBC Reith Lectures on “Law and the Decline of Politics” and was a prominent commentator on the legal and ethical implications of non-pharmaceutical interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professor David Miles CBE is Professor of Financial Economics at Imperial College London and a member of the Budget Responsibility Committee at the Office for Budget Responsibility. His work focuses on the interaction between financial markets and the wider economy. He has held senior roles in both academia and the private sector, and has led key UK government reviews on the mortgage market and government bond pricing.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 18/09/2025

🔵 Professor David Heymann - Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, @lshtm.bsky.social 🔵 Professor Clare Bambra (@profbambra.bsky.social) - Professor of Public Health, @newcastleuni.bsky.social For more information and to attend these hearings, please visit our website: covid19inquiry.scot

Professor Heymann is a USA-trained medical doctor and medical epidemiologist. From 1989 to 2009, he held leadership roles at WHO, including establishing the emerging infectious diseases programme, leading the global SARS-CoV-1 response in 2003, overseeing polio eradication efforts, and serving as Assistant Director-General for Health Security. He later served as Chair of the UK Health Protection Agency and Public Health England. He has held his professorship at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine since 2009.

Professor Clare Bambra is Professor of Public Health at Newcastle University’s Population Health Sciences Institute. A leading expert on health inequalities, she is an elected Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, the Academy of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Public Health, and Leopoldina. She serves as academic co-director of Health Equity North and is a member of the WHO scientific advisory group on health equity in Europe. Professor Bambra is an independent expert witness to Modules 1 and 10 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 18/09/2025

We will hear from: 🔵 Professor Sunetra Gupta - Professor of Theoretical Epidemiology, @biology.ox.ac.uk 🔵 Professor Mark Woolhouse - Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social

Professor Gupta specialises in the dynamics of viral, bacterial, and parasitic infectious diseases. With a strong track record in applying theoretical models to public health, she has been a prominent critic of nationwide lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, instead advocating for a targeted strategy now referred to as 'State Supported Individual Risk Reduction'. Their perspectives have been widely published in mainstream media and presented in public forums, contributing to growing recognition of alternative approaches to pandemic response.

Professor Woolhouse is Chair of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh and a member of the Usher Institute. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they served on the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 Advisory Group, the UK’s SPI-M-O, and the Scottish Government’s Standing Committee on Pandemic Preparedness. They have provided expert testimony to multiple parliamentary committees, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry and contributed extensively to media and public discourse.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 17/09/2025

We will hear from Dr Anders Tegnell, former State Epidemiologist of Sweden and Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield, Former Director-General of Health and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Health, New Zealand. @ashbloomfield.bsky.social

Anders Tegnell is former state epidemiologist in Sweden and now serves as a senior expert at the Public Health Agency. He is best known for leading Sweden’s public health strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 30 years of experience, Dr Tegnell’s career has seen him work on the frontline during the Ebola outbreak in Zaire. He has served in senior advisory roles for the European Commission and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Here he contributed to shaping EU-wide strategies for infectious disease prevention and control.

Former Director-General of Health and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Health, New Zealand. From mid-2018 to mid-2022, Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield was the Director-General of Health and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Health, New Zealand. He led the country’s health system and public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He is now a professor at the University of Auckland’s School of Population Health and Chief Executive at Public Health and Forensic Science.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 16/09/2025

Next week, we will hold hearings examining the use of lockdowns and other measures as tools available to governments in a public health emergency. These will feature national and international experts. To attend in person, visit our website for details: www.covid19inquiry.scot/news/inquiry...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 16/09/2025

How can we better support young people in future emergencies? #LetsBeHeard gathered insights from more than 2,000 children and young people who were impacted by the pandemic in Scotland. Read the full case study: www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/voice...

A speech bubble with a quote from a person, aged 11, who responded to Let's Be Heard. It says, "Provide help for children with worries and anxiety after the pandemic. I don't think I will ever be free from worries about bugs and infections."

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 11/09/2025

How did the pandemic affect your child's development? Our latest case study gives us their perspectives. More than 2,000 children and young people have shared the challenges they faced and the unexpected positives that arose. Read what they had to say: www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/voice...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 09/09/2025

More than 2,000 children and young people shared how the pandemic impacted them. We listened. This case study captures their real experiences in their own words. Because your voice counts. Your experiences matter. Read the full case study: www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/voice...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 03/09/2025

What would you want decision-makers to know about your experiences during the pandemic? Children and young people told #LetsBeHeard about: - Education - Social development - Home and family life Find out the lessons they think should be learned: www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/voice...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 02/09/2025

'Just listen to us. Listen to us, please.' Children and young people across Scotland have shared their experiences with #LetsBeHeard. From missing school transitions to gaining independence, their experiences will inform how we prepare for the future: www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/voice...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 01/09/2025

Over 2,000 young voices from across Scotland have shared their pandemic experiences with #LetsBeHeard. Their insights will help ensure Scotland is better prepared in the future. Read what they said: www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/voice...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 21/08/2025

Children and young people in Scotland have shared what they think will help shape the nation’s future pandemic preparedness through a case study published today by Let’s Be Heard, the Inquiry’s public participation project. www.covid19inquiry.scot/news/inquiry...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 03/07/2025

The Inquiry has set out its plans for the rest of 2025 and into 2026, as it continues to investigate the devolved strategic response to the pandemic in Scotland. Full details of the Inquiry's plans are available on our website: www.covid19inquiry.scot/news/inquiry...

Next steps for 2025/26:
Let’s Be Heard is analysing the experiences shared by more than 12,500 people across Scotland. They will publish a case study on children and young people’s experiences during the pandemic this summer.
This year, the Inquiry will publish narrative records of its public impact hearings. In September, we will hold hearings on:
lockdowns and other measures such as social distancing and travel restrictions.
different approaches by other countries to limit the spread of COVID-19

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 24/06/2025

In our latest video, @ianduddy.bsky.social, Chief Executive of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry, explains how evidence is gathered, used and finally archived by a public inquiry. You can view all of the Inquiry's published evidence on our website: www.covid19inquiry.scot/evidence

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 23/06/2025

Last week we completed our public impact hearings. During these, we heard from 364 witnesses and received more than 600 written statements related to the impact of the COVID-19 response in Scotland. We thank everyone who shared and contributed to our investigations.

The Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry has completed its public impact hearings. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences and contributed to our investigations.

We held 93 days of impact hearings since October 2023. We received more than 600 written statements. We heard from 364 witnesses. 100% of this evidence informs our investigations and recommendations.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 20/06/2025

Since these hearings began in October 2023, we have heard from 364 witnesses and received more than 600 written statements in relation to the impact of the COVID-19 response in Scotland. We thank everyone who shared their experiences and contributed to our investigations.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 30/05/2025

More than 200 events across Scotland. 60+ partner organisations. 2,000+ experiences shared through community discussions. #LetsBeHeard wouldn't have been so effective without your collaboration. Thank you for ensuring Scotland's diverse voices are heard. www.covid19inquiry.scot/lets-be-heard

A map of Scotland with pins highlighting each town, city and local authority that Let's Be Heard visited during its engagement periods. The text reads, "200+ events across Scotland. 2,000+ experiences shared through community discussions. Over 60 partner organisations."

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 27/05/2025

Revisiting the pandemic was difficult for many who shared their experiences with #LetsBeHeard over the past two years. Your voices have been heard. Your experiences matter. The experiences you shared help Scotland be better prepared in future. www.covid19inquiry.scot/lets-be-heard

“We understand how difficult it must have been for some respondents to revisit such a difficult period in their lives and would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has taken the time to engage with us.”

Dr Alexandra Anderson, Head of Let’s Be Heard

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 26/05/2025

Your pandemic experiences are making a difference. The #LetsBeHeard team is now analysing contributions from more than 12,500 people shared with the Inquiry to inform its investigations and recommendations. Every voice helps Scotland be better prepared in future.

Over 12,500 experiences have been shared with Let's Be Heard, the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry's public participation project.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 24/05/2025

Since launching in 2023, #LetsBeHeard, the COVID-19 Inquiry’s public participation project, has attended more than 200 events and heard from people in every local authority in Scotland. Find out more about Let's Be Heard on our website: www.covid19inquiry.scot/lets-be-heard

A map of Scotland with pins showing each town, city and local authority that Let's Be Heard visited during its engagement periods.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 22/05/2025

Dr Alexandra Anderson, Head of #LetsBeHeard, explains why your experiences matter to the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry. Thank you to all those who supported and engaged with Let's Be Heard in the two years since its launch. You have made these achievements possible:

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 01/05/2025

Chief Executive of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry, @ianduddy.bsky.social, provides an update on the work carried out by the Inquiry so far in 2025 and outlines key dates for the rest of the year. Read the full Chief Executive's Update on our website: www.covid19inquiry.scot/news/chief-e...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 23/03/2025

Five years ago, the first lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was announced. Since 2022, the Inquiry has been investigating the devolved response to the pandemic in Scotland to identify lessons for the future. Find out more about the Inquiry’s work: www.covid19inquiry.scot

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 09/03/2025

On COVID-19 Day of Reflection, and five years since start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry acknowledges everyone who has shared evidence, information or experiences for our investigations. We are also grateful to those who will do so in the coming months.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 27/02/2025

On Monday, we were pleased to welcome Criminology, Policing and Social Sciences students from @edinburghnapier.bsky.social to the Inquiry's hearing suite. The group were welcomed by our Chair, Lord Brailsford, and Chief Executive, Ian Duddy, and attended one of our impact hearings.

A group of Edinburgh Napier University students and lecturers standing with the Lord Brailsford, the Chair of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry.

Ian Duddy, Chief Executive of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry, answers questions from a group of Edinburgh Napier University students.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 24/02/2025

Last week, we were privileged to welcome a group of Modern Studies students from Boroughmuir High School to the Inquiry's hearing suite. Pupils met the Inquiry's Chair and Chief Executive, before attending one of our impact hearings.

A group of Modern Studies students from Boroughmuir High School standing with Lord Brailsford, Chair of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry in the Inquiry's hearing suite.

Ian Duddy, Chief Executive of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry presents information about the Inquiry in front of a group of students from Boroughmuir High School.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 21/02/2025

"No visits and no human contact has had an impact on my mental health and I’m scared about getting out of jail.” Read Let's Be Heard’s case study reflecting some Scottish prisoners' experiences during COVID-19: www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/voice...

A speech bubble containing a quote from one of the prisoners who shared their experience of the pandemic with Let's Be Heard. It reads, "No visits and no human contact has had an impact on my mental health and I'm scared about getting out of jail."

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 20/02/2025

"At the start no one knew how to manage COVID-19, so in all fairness the Scottish Prison Service did a good job” Let's Be Heard has published the pandemic experiences of some prisoners in Scotland. Read the full study on our website: www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/voice...

A speech bubble containing a quote from one of the prisoners who shared their experience of the pandemic with Let's Be Heard. It reads, "At the start no one know how to manage COVID-19, so in all fairness the Scottish Prison Service did a good job."

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 19/02/2025

“It has impacted my mental health but no one cares because we are prisoners.” Let's Be Heard has analysed the experiences shared by some prisoners in Scotland during the pandemic. Find out how strict restrictions added to an already challenging environment: www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/voice...

A quote from a prisoner who shared their experience of the pandemic with Let's Be Heard. It reads, "It has impacted my mental health but no one cares because we are prisoners."

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 18/02/2025

"For us prisoners it's as if COVID-19 was never beaten, we are still suffering its effects." Let's Be Heard's case study shares the pandemic experiences of some prisoners in Scotland. Read their thoughts on how authorities and staff managed the pandemic in Scottish prisons.

A quote from a prisoner who shared their experiences with Let's Be Heard. It reads, "For the sake of our mental health at least try to revert back to pre-COVID routine. For us prisoners it's as if COVID-19 was never beaten, we are still suffering its effects."

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 17/02/2025

The case study discusses the themes identified by prisoners: 💬 Mental health 💬 Limited opportunities 💬 Prisoner/staff relations 💬 Access to healthcare 💬 Visits 💬 Preparedness and communication www.covid19inquiry.scot/report/voice...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 17/02/2025

The Inquiry's listening project, Let's Be Heard, has published its case study reflecting the experiences of some prisoners during the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland. Read the case study on our website: www.covid19inquiry.scot/news/inquiry...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 20/12/2024

These experiences were gathered from every local authority in Scotland, as #LetsBeHeard toured the country – from John o’ Groats to Dumfries, Stornoway to Shetland – attending over 200 events during their travels.

An illustrated map of Scotland sits next to a speech bubble with the text, "Over 200 events attended". There is a grid of photos from the various events, showing attendees interacting with Let's Be Heard team members.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 20/12/2024

Since launching in May 2023, #LetsBeHeard has received around 12,000 experiences from people who were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland.

A line graph graphic points up to a speech bubble with the text "Approximately 12,000 experiences shared".

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 17/12/2024

Yesterday, we were pleased to host visits from Craigmount High School and Leith Academy to the Inquiry's hearing suite, where pupils were welcomed by our Chief Executive, @ianduddy.bsky.social, and had the opportunity to attend one of our impact hearings.

Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry Chief Executive, Ian Duddy, standing with members of Leith Academy High School in the Inquiry's hearing suite.

Members of Craigmount High School sit in the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry's hearing suite as the Inquiry's Chief Executive, Ian Duddy, gives a presentation on how public inquiries work.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 28/11/2024

Our #LetsBeHeard team have been busy travelling Scotland, gathering the experiences of those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can still share your experience and help inform the Inquiry's investigations. Our surveys are open until 29 November: lbh.covid19inquiry.scot

Dr Alexandra Anderson, Head of Let's Be Heard standing at the John O'Groats Signpost, holding Let's Be Heard information leaflets.

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 26/11/2024

Help inform the Inquiry's investigations 💬 Let’s Be Heard, the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry’s public participation project, will finish gathering people’s experiences of the pandemic on Friday 29 November 2024. Find out how you can get involved: www.covid19inquiry.scot/news/lets-be...

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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry @covid19inquiry.scot · 21/11/2024

Our #LetsBeHeard team hosted a stand at the recent Learning Places Scotland conference, to hear the experiences of how the pandemic affected those all across the education sector. A huge thanks to all those who visited and shared their experiences with us.

Let's Be Heard colleagues at an information desk at the Learning Places Scotland conference.

A Learning Places Scotland attendee sharing their experience of the COVID-19 pandemic at Let's Be Heard's stand.

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