The SNP Government has announced a public inquiry into the handling of the covid pandemic will be established by the end of the year.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney confirmed the move following pressure by campaigners to get a probe underway.
Ministers will consult on the aims and principles of the inquiry, an exercise that will end on September 30th.
Swinney said: "Since the early stages of our pandemic response we have been committed to a public inquiry into the handling of the pandemic in Scotland, to ensure that lessons are learned for the future.
"The publication of this aims and principles paper, as one of our 100 days commitments, is an important step towards the establishment of that inquiry.
"We will continue to listen to those affected by COVID-19, including bereaved families, on what they wish the public inquiry to focus on.
"Their feedback will be fundamental in reviewing the suggested approach set out here, and setting the terms of reference for an independent Scottish inquiry.
“Discussions are also ongoing with the UK Government on the planned four nations inquiry, to ensure all areas that need to be considered are covered in a way that gives confidence to bereaved families and others.”
The Government said the inquiry would take a "person-centred, human rights based approach" with a focus on "outcomes and timely reporting to identify lessons and recommendations".
Particular consideration would also be given to the "four harms" of the pandemic: direct health impacts of COVID-19, including cases and deaths in care homes; other non COVID health impacts; societal impacts, including education; and economic impacts.
