A group of 20 Scots will evaluate the government's response to the pandemic at a citizens' panel. 

The panel, selected to be representative of the country, will hold its first meeting this weekend. 

As well as considering the previous efforts to tackle Covid-19, they will consider what future priorities should be. 

Covid-19 Committee convener Donald Cameron said we find ourselves "at a worrying juncture in this pandemic".

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The group will meet over the course of a month before producing a report for the Scottish Parliament. 

Members of Holyrood’s Covid-19 Committee will then consider the panel’s recommendations.

A range of experts will assist the panel, which includes citizens from all eight Holyrood regions, on areas such as public health, medical and behavioural science, epidemiology and virology, and the social, legal and economic aspects of the pandemic.

David Cameron added: “Unfortunately there is a going to be a need for restrictions for months to come, and the way we respond in 2021 is likely to shape our economy and society for many years to come.

“Therefore it is critical that we have public support for Government plans to respond to Covid-19, and that we ensure areas important to the public are prioritised.

“While the Covid-19 Committee is able to provide robust scrutiny and recommendations, it will be immensely helpful to this work to have the informed opinion of a representative group of citizens.

“We are very grateful to the panel members and experts assisting them for giving up their time, and look forward to receiving the final report next month.”