1. Book online or pop in for an appointment
One of our IP Pharmacists will complete an assessment of your symptoms in a private consultation room, and check for any signs that may require urgent medical attention.
Pharmacy services
Independent Prescribing Service in Scotland
Pharmacy First Plus helps you access treatment for common health conditions, free of charge*
No need to wait for a GP appointment, come in to see us today!
Need more than just over-the-counter medicine? Through NHS Pharmacy First Plus1, you can get help with a wide range of common health conditions from a specially-trained Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, free of charge. They can assess your symptoms, offer clinical advice, and – where appropriate – prescribe treatment without having to see your GP first.
Appointments and walk-in services are available at selected Well pharmacies in Scotland, subject to eligibility, suitability and pharmacist availability.
Not in Scotland? Find your local IP service:
What is Pharmacy First Plus?
Pharmacy First Plus is an NHS service in Scotland that builds on the support already available through Pharmacy First Scotland.
The service is provided by an Independent Prescribing (sometimes shortened to “IP”) Pharmacist, who has completed additional clinical training, allowing them to legally prescribe within specialised health areas. This can help you access treatment beyond that of typical over-the-counter medications without having to make a GP appointment.
An IP Pharmacist will only prescribe treatment when it’s clinically appropriate, so if the service isn't suitable, they will explain what to do next and refer or signpost you to another healthcare service where appropriate.
“Our prescribing pharmacists can help with a wide range of common health concerns, right from your local pharmacy. We’ll take the time to assess your symptoms, talk through the options available and, where appropriate, prescribe the treatment you need. If pharmacy care isn’t right for you, we can help make sure you know where to go next.”
Last reviewed: October 2026
Next review: October 2029
Reviewed by: Emma Kilbride, IP Pharmacist
How Pharmacy First Plus works in Scotland
2. Get advice based on your condition
Based on your symptoms and their severity, the IP Pharmacist will provide advice and recommend treatment where appropriate.
3. Prescription & next steps
If suitable, the IP Pharmacist will prescribe you the appropriate treatment along with instructions for how to take it, and what to do if your symptoms persist. A follow-up consultation can also be arranged to monitor progress.
Conditions covered in Scotland:**
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Chest infections, coughs and respiratory symptoms
- Ear infections
- Period Pain
- Sinus problems
- Sore throats and tonsilitis
- Impetigo, shingles and other skin infections
- Indigestion, constipation and diarrhoea
- Rashes, eczema and other dermatological conditions
- Certain eye infections and irritations
- Hay fever and seasonal allergy symptoms
**Subject to eligibility, suitability and availability of a prescribing pharmacist and at the professional discretion of the pharmacist.
Well pharmacies that currently offer the Independent Prescribing Service in Scotland
| Pharmacy name | Postcode |
|---|---|
| Glasgow - Cowglen Road | G53 6EQ |
| Glasgow - Eaglesham Road | G76 7BU |
| Glasgow - Nitshill Road | G53 7BN |
| Paisley - Broomlands Street | PA1 2LS |
| Paisley - Glasgow Road | PA1 3QH |
| Paisley - Neilston Road | PA2 6LZ |
| Perth - Rannoch Road | PH1 2DP |
| Kirkliston - Main Street | EH29 9AA |
| Dunfermline - Elliot Street | KY11 4TF |
| Lochgelly - Bank Street | KY5 9QN |
| Kirkcaldy Health Centre | KY1 2NA |
| Edinburgh - Craigentinny Road | EH7 6RN |
| Edinburgh - Restalrig Road | EH6 8BB |
| Ormiston - Main Street | EH35 5AB |
| Port Seton - Links Road | EH32 0EA |
| Tranent - High Street | EH33 1LW |
| Arbroath - High Street | DD11 1HN |
| Montrose - Murray Street | DD10 8JZ |
| Tain - 23-25 High Street | IV19 1AE |
| Caol Shopping Centre - Caol | PH33 7DR |
| Dunoon - Argyll Street | PA23 7HA |
| Well Beith | KA15 2AD |
| Well Dalbeattie | DG5 4AA |
| Well Ayr | KA7 1BH |
| Well Moffat | DG10 9DL |
FAQs
Pharmacy First Plus is an NHS service available to those who live in Scotland or are registered with a GP practice in Scotland.1.1
Yes, Pharmacy First Plus is an NHS service and is free for eligible patients using participating pharmacies.
You can if you like, but we also accept walk-ins, meaning you can get assessed and treated at your convenience.
No. The Independent Prescribing Pharmacist will assess your symptoms and only prescribe medicine if clinically appropriate. If you don’t need a prescription, they may provide advice or recommend another suitable treatment or service.
No, while Pharmacy First is a service available in both England and Scotland, Pharmacy First Plus is currently only available in Scotland. The service acts as an extension of the Pharmacy First service, giving patients access to advice and treatment for a broader range of common clinical conditions.
1. NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, NHS Inform. Last updated August 2026.
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