Hutchings Scotland Pharmacy Market Update 2026
Community pharmacies continue to play a vital and expanding role in healthcare across Scotland. With over 1,200 pharmacies nationwide, the sector processes around five to six million prescriptions every three weeks, providing accessible, frontline care to communities across the country.
Pharmacies are increasingly recognised as a first point of contact for patients. NHS Pharmacy First Scotland is now firmly established within primary care, with 1.94 million people, around 36% of Scotland’s population, using the service at least once in 2024/25. This marks a 56% increase since 2021/22 and highlights the growing shift toward pharmacies delivering consultations, health advice, and clinical support closer to home.
Author; Funding and Market Stability
Recent changes to the government-set drug tariff have helped ease pricing pressures to some degree and improve pharmacy margins. However, despite confirmed funding increases for 2025/26, higher operating costs, including increases in employer National Insurance contributions, remain a significant challenge for pharmacy contractors.
Mr Andrew Porter of nine branch Porter Pharmacy group commented; ‘The global sum uplift was much needed but was still not enough to cover the National Insurance rises and the increase in the living wage.’
George Romanes of eight branch Romanes Pharmacy group similarly commented; ‘The global sum uplift was lower than hoped for, given National Insurance rises and costs increasing.’
Notwithstanding prevailing financial headwinds, the funding environment remains stable, reinforcing confidence across the sector.
We recently approached Scott Hutchinson of Unity Trust bank, a major lender in the pharmacy sector, to seek their perspective on the current market: –
Buyer Demand & Activity
The liquidation of LloydsPharmacy created a unique buying opportunity, allowing pharmacies to be acquired at competitive prices. This led to a surge in activity, particularly from first-time buyers, before transaction levels returned to more sustainable norms.
Although national multiples are currently more selective, the Scottish pharmacy market continues to be supported by strong demand from regional multiples and independent operators. Well-run, high-quality pharmacies remain highly sought after, with single owners and small groups actively looking to expand. Continued demand is providing reassurance for sellers and supporting market values currently ranging between £1.40 and £2.00 in the pound.
A Shift Toward Local Ownership
As demonstrated in the breakdown of pharmacy ownership, the market continues to rebalance toward independent and locally operated pharmacies. These businesses have proven highly adaptable, responding effectively to funding changes and evolving service expectations. Their success reflects the increasing importance of personalised care, strong local relationships, and service-led models within today’s healthcare landscape.
Breakdown of Scottish Pharmacy Owners
The table below demonstrates that overall the number of pharmacies in Scotland has remained consistent over recent years with just a handful of new contracts being granted.
Market Outlook
Looking ahead, demand for pharmacy services is expected to continue rising. From July 2026, all newly registered pharmacists will qualify as independent prescribers, enhancing clinical capacity and further strengthening the role of community pharmacies. This development adds additional confidence for buyers and supports the sector’s long-term growth prospects.
We anticipate independent sellers will dominate disposals in the coming year; nevertheless, further corporate disposals are likely to generate opportunities for independent and regional groups to expand and may also support first-time buyers in taking their initial steps towards pharmacy ownership. Bank lenders continuing support remains steady and lower interest rates are improving affordability for purchasers, while goodwill values are expected to remain robust as demand continues to significantly outstrip supply. Pharmacies located in the more populated central belt and in major urban centres, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, remain particularly attractive, with steady buying activity expected across Scotland over the coming year.
If you are considering a sale or would like to better understand the value of your pharmacy business, please contact us at the earliest opportunity to discuss how we can assist you or to arrange a meeting at your convenience.
Ryan Smith
Senior Pharmacy Consultant
Tel: (01494) 722 224 (ext. 52)
DD: (01494) 422 852
M: 07868 352031
Email: ryan@hutchingsconsultants.com
What our clients say about us…
‘Ryan immediately suggested the type of buyer we would ideally be looking for and within a week or so had arranged five viewings for us, after shop closing hours, over the course of two weeks.
Within a month we had received three offers which were way over our estimations. Ryan made himself available to push the sale forward and act as a go between for any questions that arose between the legal terms. This reduced the stress of selling as well as working day to day in the business.
I felt that Hutchings Consultants Ltd had their finger on the pulse when it came to locating buyers specifically for my business and by creating a closing date helped me to achieve the best price. I thank Ryan for his help through the process. I would recommend Hutchings to anyone considering selling their business in the future.’
Gordon Coventry, Aitken Pharmacy, Dunbar