More than 10,000 NHS doctors and dentists across Scotland are to receive an above inflation pay increase after the Scottish Government accepted recommendations from an independent pay review body.
Consultants, GPs, Specialty, Specialist and Associate Specialist doctors and dentists will receive a 3.5 per cent increase for 2026 to 27, with the money expected to begin appearing in salaries at the end of September.
Salaried community and public dental workers will receive a slightly higher increase of 3.75 per cent in recognition of particular challenges facing those services.
Both awards will be backdated to 1 April 2026.
The Scottish Government has accepted in full the recommendations of the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration, which advises governments across the UK on medical and dental pay.
For consultants, the 3.5 per cent award represents an annual salary increase of approximately £3,900 to £5,183 depending on their position on the salary scale.
Specialty doctors will receive increases ranging from approximately £2,246 to £3,501 a year.
For specialist doctors, the annual increase will range from approximately £3,531 to £3,901.
Dentists working in the public dental service will see increases of approximately £2,030 to £4,294 a year.
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 latest award follows a series of substantial increases in consultant pay over recent years.
Consultants received a 6 per cent increase in 2023 to 24, followed by 10.5 per cent in 2024 to 25 and a further 4 per cent in 2025 to 26.
The independent review body’s recommendations are informed by evidence from governments, employers, NHS organisations and professional representatives including the British Medical Association and dental bodies.
For NHS services across the Highlands and Islands, where recruiting and retaining medical professionals can present particular challenges, the Scottish Government believes the latest settlement will help make NHS Scotland a more attractive place to work.
The first practical difference for those receiving the award should be visible at the end of September, when the increased salaries and backdated pay are expected to begin reaching employees.
