Read More: NHS Scotland GP bug-hit IT system leaves doctors facing blank screens

More than 10,000 NHS staff will be affected by the award, which will be backdated to April 1.

Salaried community and public dental service workers will receive a 3.75% uplift, with ministers saying this reflects “particular challenges” in those services.

Health Secretary Angela Constance confirmed the awards in a letter to the British Medical Association, saying the Scottish Government had accepted in full the recommendations of the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB).

Read More:

She 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.”

For consultants, the award will amount to annual salary rises of about £3900 to £5183, depending on pay point.

Specialty doctors will receive between about £2246 and £3501 more each year, while specialist doctors will see increases of between £3531 and £3901. Public dental service dentists will receive rises ranging from around £2030 to £4294.

The announcement follows substantial pay rises for consultants over the past three years, including 6% in 2023-24, 10.5% in 2024-25 and 4% in 2025-26.

However, BMA Scotland said the award had been “imposed” and warned it could worsen pressures on recruitment and retention.

Dr Joanna Bredski and Dr Sine Steele, chairs of BMA Scotland’s consultants and SAS committee, said: “The imposition announced by the Scottish Government is both deeply disappointing and extremely concerning for the future of the profession and the NHS.

“It is regrettable the Cabinet Secretary has decided to ignore previous agreements and imposed the 3.5% pay uplift for both consultants and SAS doctors without offering any further negotiation on ending pay erosion or reforms which improve working conditions and prevent burnout.”

They said the union had raised concerns with Ms Constance about the need to make medicine an “attractive and sustainable career” in Scotland.

The BMA cited a recent survey in which half of consultants said they would be likely or very likely to leave NHS Scotland if the 3.5% award were imposed. Three-quarters said their morale would decrease or significantly decrease.

Dr Bredski and Dr Steele added: “Unless our pay and working lives as a whole are improved, we will go on losing the senior doctors who are so vital to the NHS in Scotland.

“We will now be talking to our membership and considering next steps. All options are on the table.”

The DDRB is an independent body advising the UK Government and devolved administrations on doctors’ and dentists’ pay. Its recommendations draw on evidence from governments, employers, NHS bodies and professional organisations including the BMA and dental representatives.