A DOZEN new walk-in clinics have been announced by the Scottish Government, bringing the total of planned sites to 16.
Speaking in Shetland, First Minister John Swinney has unveiled plans for new sites across Scotland, including centres in Shetland, Stranraer and Cardonald.
The clinics will be open from midday to 8pm, seven days a week. The Scottish Government hopes that they will complement traditional GP clinics while reducing the morning "rush" for appointments.
Patients will be able to seek medical guidance from staff without the need for an appointment.
The first walk-in service opened on 11 February in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh. Another site in Lochee, Dundee, will open in March.
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Swinney said: “I committed to delivering 15 new walk-in GP centres and I am pleased that, not only will we now deliver an initial 16 sites, but many of these will be up and running in a matter of weeks.
“With centres open 12-8pm, seven days a week, and based in easily accessible locations in our communities across the country, this is part of a package addressing the 8am rush that has frustrated so many of us - easing capacity pressures on family doctors.
“By establishing a series of walk-in clinics we can ensure people are seen by a clinician at a time that works for them. Our programme will help us deliver over one million additional GP and nurse appointments.
“This complements our £531 million landmark investment in core General Practice. With GP numbers up, long waits down and new walk-in GP clinics being tested across Scotland, it is clear we are making real progress in our NHS and I am determined to continue driving forward improvements.”
The full list of planned clinics:
- Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, NHS Lothian - Opened on 11 February 2026
- Lochee GP Practice, Dundee, NHS Tayside - Expected to open 2 March 2026
- Benbecula, NHS Western Isles - Expected to open in March
- Stranraer, NHS Dumfries and Galloway - Expected to open 14 April 2026
- Lerwick, NHS Shetland – Expected to open in April
- Hawick, NHS Borders – Expected to open in April
- Invergordon, NHS Highland – Expected to open in May
- Aberdeen City, NHS Grampian – Expected to open in May
- Cardonald, Glasgow, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – Expected to open in June
- Dunoon, NHS Highland – Expected to open in June
- Moray, NHS Grampian - Expected to open in Summer
- Aberdeenshire, NHS Grampian – Expected to open in Summer
- Sauchie, Alloa, NHS Forth Valley - Expected to open in Summer
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