SENIOR medics will receive an above-inflation pay uplift this year, the Scottish Government has announced.
Consultants, GPs, specialty, specialist and associate specialist (SAS) doctors and dentists will receive a 3.5% increase for 2026-27.
Salaried community and public dental workers will have a 3.75% pay uplift.
The increases, which impact more than 10,000 NHS employees, will be backdated to April 1 2026 and are expected to begin appearing in salaries at the end of September.
In a letter to the British Medical Association (BMA), Scotland's Health Secretary said the Government had agreed to implement the recommendations from the independent Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB).
Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “I’m grateful to all consultants, GPs, SAS doctors and dentists for the invaluable contribution they make to the people of Scotland in delivering safe, effective and high-quality care across our communities.
“It is, therefore, right that we recognise this by accepting the independent findings of the DDRB to deliver an equitable and affordable pay deal – one that is in line with other public sector pay awards for 2026-27.
“We remain committed to a fair, evidence-based and independent approach to pay awards and in accepting the DDRB recommendations in full, we are supporting recruitment and retention.
“This will help to ensure that NHS Scotland remains an attractive place to work, while balancing the need for financial sustainability across the public sector.”
The Scottish Government said consultants were previously awarded a 6% pay rise in 2023-24, 10.5% in 2024-25, and 4% in 2025-26.
