Scottish Covid Inquiry Timeline Pushed to 2027 as Ministers Prepare to Testify
The Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry has announced a significant delay in its proceedings, with hearings now expected to extend into 2027. Lord Brailsford, the inquiry's chairman, confirmed that ministers who served during the pandemic and their senior advisers will be called to give evidence regarding the Scottish Government's response to the crisis.
Revised Schedule and Evidence Gathering
During an online update on Tuesday, Lord Brailsford outlined the inquiry's restructured approach. He indicated that organisations responsible for implementing pandemic decisions will be heard in sessions planned for October 2026. Following this, the inquiry will focus on "the decision-makers themselves," including senior government officials and elected ministers.
Lord Brailsford stated: "Structuring the inquiry in this way means that the inquiry can ensure that it has at its full disposal all available evidence, before hearing from the senior Government officials and elected ministers who were responsible for taking the decisions on how best to respond to the pandemic."
He acknowledged that earlier hearings had featured "deeply personal and distressing" oral evidence. While he did not specify which ministers would be called, he confirmed that senior advisers to Scottish ministers are also likely to testify.
Criticism from Bereaved Families
The Scottish Covid Bereaved (SCB) group, represented by solicitor Aamer Anwar, has expressed strong criticism of the new timeline. They argue that the delay is unacceptable, particularly given the potential impact on witness memories and evidence quality.
The SCB group said: "The chair advised that evidence hearings of the key decision makers in the Scottish Government, NHS and care homes sector will now be delayed until 2027, over seven years after the pandemic began. We appear to be in a parallel universe, where in our criminal courts we are told delays, problems with witness memories, people moving on and the loss of records can all effect the quality of the evidence, yet this inquiry seems to be moving at a glacial pace to deliver accountability."
Margaret Wateton, a member of the SCB group, added: "All members of SCB fully expected that Lord Brailsford and SCI would have called the elected members of the Scottish Government during the Covid-19 pandemic to give an evidential account of their decision making, that is unlikely to happen if at all until 2027."
Background and Context
Lord Brailsford, who assumed the chairmanship in October 2022, had previously indicated in June 2025 that the inquiry would conclude its remaining hearings in 2026. He has now expressed regret that this timeline is no longer feasible, promising a further update after the October 2026 hearings.
The inquiry is examining the Scottish Government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, including decisions related to public health measures, healthcare systems, and care homes. Notably, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon provided evidence to the separate UK Covid Inquiry in January 2024.
The SCB group has emphasised the emotional toll on bereaved families, describing the inquiry's progress as "disrespectful to and traumatising" and noting its "shambolic starts and delays." They contend that Scotland's smaller jurisdiction should have allowed for a more expedited process.
