HELENSBURGH'S MSP is urging residents to make their voices heard as Scotland’s Covid-19 Inquiry holds its first hearings.

Jackie Baillie wants locals to share their experiences through the inquiry’s ‘Let’s Be Heard’ project.

The initiative is seeking the views of people aged 14 and over who were living in Scotland between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, and who were affected by Scottish authorities’ decisions relating to the pandemic.

Ms Baillie stated she was contacted by individuals in various challenging circumstances during that time – such as frontline workers, business owners, and those experiencing bereavement – and hopes they will come forward to contribute their stories.

She said: “The start of the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry marks an important step in learning lessons from the decisions which were made at the height of the pandemic and beyond.

“I have been inundated with emails, letters and calls from people whose businesses were impacted, those struggling to access health services, people who couldn’t visit loved ones in care homes, frontline staff and some who were bereaved in heartbreaking circumstances.

“It is imperative that their opinions are heard and taken into account should we ever have to deal with a pandemic again.

“It is also vital that people working on the frontline in essential services throughout are able to share their experiences.

“The areas across my constituency were some of those worst affected by Covid with some of the harshest restrictions imposed here.

“Lessons have to be learned and people’s own testimonies are key to that.”

The Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry is independent from the Scottish Government and aims to assess the impact of the pandemic on areas such as health and social care, education, business and finances, and welfare support.

Its results and any recommendations taken from the inquiry will be presented to ministers to better prepare the country should any similar incidents happen in the future.

Submissions to the ‘Let’s Be Heard’ project must be made by Wednesday, December 20.

More information and the online form can be accessed here: www.lbh.covid19inquiry.scot.