General Practice in Scotland is set to receive a record £531 million investment over the next three years, marking the largest funding boost to core GP services in the country’s history.
The announcement follows an agreement with the British Medical Association and is subject to future budget approvals by the Scottish Government. The funding will support recruitment, day-to-day operations, and digital innovation, helping improve access to GP services for patients across Scotland.
The phased investment includes:
- £98 million in 2026–27
- £183 million in 2027–28
- £249 million in 2028–29
This builds on Scotland’s current annual investment of over £1.3 billion in General Practice, including more than £100 million in additional funding over the past two years.
The funding will boost staff numbers and capacity, support operational delivery and improve patient access to GP services. Alongside this, the enabling of digital prescribing will enhance efficiency and patient experience.
Neil Gray, Scottish Health Secretary, said:
“We have been listening carefully to the views of Scotland’s GPs and I am pleased the BMA has accepted the Scottish Government’s offer to increase funding by £249 million, which takes total investment in General Practice to more than half a billion pounds over the next three years.
“This is the largest investment in core GP services to date in Scotland and will significantly boost recruitment from next year, helping to deliver the capacity needed to improve services for patients.
"This funding will help us as we shift the focus of care from acute to community. We remain focused on reducing waiting times, and new figures show we are making progress - waits of more than a year have reduced for the fourth month in a row, and the total waiting list size has also reduced.
“This is not a pay deal — it’s about stabilising practices and getting more staff into general practice. GPs and practice staff received a £46 million uplift for pay and expenses earlier this year, and practices are receiving an additional £15 million in 2025-26 to support immediate recruitment needs.
"I thank the BMA for their constructive discussions and look forward to working with the sector to ensure patients have the best possible care available, as close to home as possible.”
The investment reflects Scotland’s commitment to modernising primary care, ensuring GPs are equipped to meet growing demand and deliver high-quality care. Digital prescribing will streamline processes, reduce administrative burden, and improve outcomes for patients.
This strategic funding package is a key part of Scotland’s broader health reform agenda, aiming to strengthen recruitment, retain skilled professionals, and enhance service delivery across communities.
Image credit: iStock
