Families who lost loved ones to covid have warned SNP ministers they will accept no further delays to a public inquiry into the Scottish Government response to the pandemic.
Top lawyer Aamer Anwar branded the process a "sinking ship" after the judge appointed to chair it resigned alongside several legal advisors earlier this month.
The inquiry has yet to hold any public hearings despite its terms of reference being published in December last year.
Anwar, who is representing a group of families impacted by covid deaths, met with Deputy First Minister John Swinney in Edinburgh today. Speaking after the meeting on the steps of St Andrew's House, he said the families would not be party to a "box-ticking exercise".
Anwar said: "The families accept Mr Swinney is a man of integrity that has always treated them with respect, and that there was no political interference with this inquiry.
"However, the families told him in no uncertain terms that the Scottish inquiry has stalled and has so far betrayed the promises to keep them front and centre.
"The families will not be party to a box-ticking exercise and expect for a judge with a reputation for fairness, robustness, independence and compassion to be selected to deliver the truth and accountability.
"Up until now the family have felt they have been on a sinking ship.
"Mr Swinney advised the families today for the first time that there are 66 staff on the Scottish public inquiry - yet the families have no idea of their progress to date.
"While they fully understand the judiciary must protect, firstly, their independence the families feel they have a right to answers from those who know, and that would include the Lord President.
"The families cannot, and will not, countenance any further delays, excuses or mistakes. It is ironic that the UK inquiry, that began after Scotland's, is now underway and has placed the Scottish families at the heart of the inquiry.
"They were advised by Mr Swinney today that he hopes that there will be progress by Tuesday, October 25."
Dr Alan Whiteman lost his mum in May 2020 after she contracted coronavirus while a resident of a care home.
Speaking alongside Anwar, he said: "I want accountability, I want lessons to be learned and I want a list of recommendations to be provided and implemented.
"I want a commitment from all political parties that, regardless of the political completion of any future Scottish Government, that the majority of those recommendations will be fully implemented with minimal delay.
"We were never front and centre of the Inquiry process once Lady Poole took charge, with not even a courtesy email to alert us once a news item was published on the Inquiry process."
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: "The Scottish Government is keen to help ensure the progress the inquiry is making continues.
"I gave assurances to the group today that work to appoint a new chair is being progressed at pace and that discussions with the Lord President about arrangements for appointing a new judicial Chair are underway. I will provide a further update to Parliament at the earliest possible opportunity."
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