Looking Forward - Community Pharmacy Scotland in 2026 with Matt Barclay
Published: 22nd January 2026
CPS Chief Executive Matt Barclay shares what 2026 looks like for Community Pharmacy Scotland and what we will be focusing on over the year ahead.
Matt talks through upcoming negotiations, what is coming next for Pharmacy First and Pharmacy First Plus, and how the Independent Prescribing network will continue to grow with a new cohort of IPs joining community pharmacy this year.
He also looks ahead to the Scottish Elections and explains how our CPS 2026 Manifesto: Prevent, Detect, and Treat and how it will help expand the role of community pharmacy, with the right investment and resources in place to support delivery.
You will also find a reminder about the courier service and an introduction to our new charity partner, Blood Bikes Scotland.
On behalf of NHS Health Boards, we are collecting suggestions for amendments to the Approved List from our members and their pharmacy teams, which can be for additions to the list, replacements or deletions.