Eligible women attending participating practices for other appointments may be offered routine cervical screening. Those who decline will then be offered a self-sampling kit, while others may be contacted directly by their GP practice.
Jenni Minto, minister for public health and women’s health, said: “Cervical cancer is largely preventable, and it is unacceptable that a woman’s chances of developing it can be shaped by where she lives.
“This pilot is about reaching the women our screening programme has not always served well and making it as easy as possible for them to take that first step.
“A self-sampling kit means women can test themselves in private, at a time that suits them — removing some of the barriers that stop people coming forward.
“I would encourage every woman who is offered a kit to use it. It could save their life.”
The scheme forms part of Scotland’s action plan to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
The kits allow women to collect a sample for Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing without attending a clinical appointment, unless further follow-up is required.
They are being offered to women over 30 who have never attended screening or have not taken part in the past six years.
If HPV is detected, patients will be invited for further clinical screening.
The pilot will inform a phased national rollout across Scotland.
Cervical screening is currently offered to women aged 25 to 64.
The UK National Screening Committee recommended in June 2025 that self-sampling should be offered to people who do not attend regular screening.
HPV is a common virus, and while most types are harmless, some can increase the risk of cervical and other cancers.
The pilot aims to address inequalities in screening uptake and improve early detection among under-screened groups.