Lord Weir announces Core Participants for Eljamel Inquiry

Core Participants have been designated for the Eljamel Inquiry.

Having considered the applications submitted to him, Lord Weir, the Chair of the Inquiry, has designated the following applicants as Core Participants:

• 133 former patients of Mr Eljamel and 19 personal representatives of former patients. This group is collectively represented by the legal firm, Levy & McRae  
• NHS Tayside
• Scottish Government
• University of Dundee
• Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh)

The decision is an important step in the work of a public inquiry.

More information about the role of a Core Participant can be found in the Inquiry's Core Participant Protocol. 

The application process to be a Core Participant began when the Eljamel Inquiry was formally set up on 3 April 2025.

Core Participants are typically individuals or organisations with a “significant interest” in the work of an inquiry.

This could mean they played a significant role in the matters under investigation, or were significantly affected by them.

It could also mean they are likely to face significant criticism – either during hearings, or in reports issued by an inquiry.

It is possible that additional Core Participants will be appointed during the Eljamel Inquiry. It will be up to Lord Weir to rule on any future applications.

It is important to understand that a person or organisation does not have to be a Core Participant to be a witness in the Inquiry.

Many of those who give evidence – either during oral hearings, or in writing – will not be Core Participants.

Being a Core Participant does not mean that a person or organisation’s evidence will be given more weight by the Inquiry. 

The evidence of Core Participants and non-Core Participants will be treated equally.

However, Core Participants do have special rights and responsibilities.

For example, they will be able access evidence gathered by the inquiry – subject to any legal restrictions.

Work to gather evidence began as soon as the Inquiry launched in April this year.

Core Participants will also be invited by the Inquiry to suggest witnesses who will be called to give evidence at oral hearings, or potential lines of questioning for such witnesses.

In the Eljamel Inquiry, Core Participants will also be asked to contribute to the Inquiry’s List of Issues.

They may receive advance copies of the Inquiry’s reports.

Those acting on behalf of Core Participants will also be able to make opening and closing statements during the Inquiry.

The solicitors acting on behalf of Core Participants will now be invited to apply for funding to represent their clients during the Inquiry.

The Inquiry intends to hold a preliminary hearing in early course.

This will be the first opportunity for Core Participants to have their say in a public forum about the work of the Inquiry.

Counsel to the Inquiry will also provide an update on the Inquiry’s work and set out its plans.

The preliminary hearing will be held in public in Edinburgh. Proceedings will also be available to livestream via the Eljamel Inquiry’s YouTube channel.