THE Scottish government has come under fire after it emerged messages between ministers during Covid had been deleted.

The disclosure came during preliminary hearings for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, as it turns to look at political decision-making in Scotland during the crisis.

Lead solicitor for Scottish Covid bereaved Aamer Anwar described the revelations as “devastating” for the families affected, particularly after earlier comments from former SNP MSP Jeanne Freeman implied they still existed.

When asked in June about demands by Mr Anwar that messages be released to the inquiry Ms Freeman – health secretary during the pandemic – told the BBC: “Nobody’s asked for these WhatsApps yet ... so therefore nobody’s refused.”

In a statement, Mr Anwar said it was “difficult to accept” that no messages or notes survived.

He said: “The UK Inquiry fought a successful battle to retrieve the WhatsApps of those operating at the highest level at Number 10, why should those in the Scottish government be any different?

“We are aware that the former first minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP has recently signed a deal with a publisher to publish her memoirs in 2025.

“According to the publishers, these will include the events of Covid.

“It is difficult to understand how a politician can provide an accurate account, several years removed, of being in the room, who was present, the relationships involved and how decisions were arrived at, without having any contemporaneous notes to assist them.

“On August 24 2021 the Scottish government announced plans for the Scottish Covid Inquiry, they promised a robust and transparent inquiry, this latest news is viewed with deep cynicism as to the motivation.

“This does not inspire confidence in the Scottish government approach to its full co-operation with this inquiry.  

“Saying ‘we are co-operating’ is one thing, doing it is quite another.”

The Scottish government was contacted for comment.