GPs have warned they will be forced to cut services unless the Scottish government comes up with a sustained cash injection.

The remarks, from BMA Scotland, came after Audit Scotland reported a promise by the SNP government to add 800 GP roles by 2027 was now unlikely to be met, after a 6 per cent real-terms funding cut to the service between 2021/22 and 2023/24.

Warning of missed deadlines and a lack of transparency, Auditor General Stephen Boyle said: “The Scottish government needs to clarify its plan for general practice and set out the actions, timescales and costs to deliver it.”

The BMA’s Scottish general practitioners committee chairman Dr Iain Morrison commented: ”GP practices across the country are having to look at reducing services to balance their books and newly qualified GPs are struggling for work, as practices simply cannot afford to employ the doctors which are desperately needed.

“The situation has become paradoxical.”

SNP Health Minister Neil Gray responded: “The First Minster [John Swinney] and I have been clear that we know too many people have had issues with seeing their GP and we have set out a plan to improve access.”