The Scottish Government faces intense scrutiny following the publication of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's second report, which delivered stinging criticism of decision-making processes during the pandemic.
Inquiry Finds Serious Flaws in Scottish Pandemic Response
Released on Thursday, 21st November 2025, the inquiry's report represents the second of ten planned investigations into the UK's handling of the coronavirus crisis. Baroness Heather Hallett, who leads the inquiry, identified significant problems within the Scottish Government's approach under then-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The report concluded that Ms Sturgeon effectively sidelined senior ministers and advisers, reducing the Scottish Cabinet to little more than a decision-rubberstamping body. The former First Minister's administration was also criticised for having no real strategy in the crucial months before the pandemic was officially declared, while the virus was already spreading.
Gold Command Meetings Under Fire
Maggie Waterton of Scottish Covid Bereaved, speaking to BBC Radio Scotland on Friday, said the inquiry's findings validated concerns her group had long held. She highlighted particular problems with the so-called gold command meetings, which brought together senior ministers and advisers outside normal cabinet procedures.
There were no minutes taken during these gold command meetings, leaving no official record of discussions, decision-making processes, or contrary opinions, Ms Waterton explained. She added that evidence heard during the Edinburgh inquiry sessions made it apparent that Ms Sturgeon and then-deputy first minister John Swinney were making significant decisions outside the Scottish Cabinet.
Responding to the report just over an hour after its publication, Ms Sturgeon told journalists at Holyrood that her main regret about the gold command meetings was their name, suggesting it created a misleading impression about their nature. She maintained they were discursive forums for considering options before taking formal decisions to Cabinet.
Bereaved Families Vow to Ensure Lessons Are Learned
The Scottish Covid Bereaved group has pledged to maintain pressure on the government to ensure all recommendations from the inquiry are fully implemented. Ms Waterton stated that members of her organisation are already working with the Scottish Government as part of their stakeholder approach to addressing the inquiry's recommendations.
As citizens of Scotland, it's our role and responsibility to hold our politicians to account, she declared. The group is determined to ensure recommendations are implemented meaningfully and promptly so that lessons are properly learned and similar tragedies are prevented in future.
Meanwhile, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced that an advisory group would be established to ensure Scotland can learn from the pandemic and apply those lessons to any future crisis.
