Self Care and NHS Inform

Pharmacy Festive Opening Hours 2025 – 2026

Most pharmacies located within Health Centres will be closed on Thursday 25th December 2025 (Christmas Day) and on Friday 26th (Boxing Day) 2025 and again on Thursday 1st January 2026 (New Years Day) and on Friday 2nd January 2026 (New Year Bank Holiday), in line with other services provided from these locations. Some local pharmacies may also close earlier than usual.

All pharmacies are open normal business hours on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve/Hogmanay except those who have asked to close earlier than usual.

Please check the information below to see what Pharmacies are opened or closing early on these days.

GP Festive Opening Information 2025 – 2026

GP Practices will be closed on Thursday 25th December and Friday 26th December 2025 and again on Thursday 1st January and Friday 2nd January 2026.

If you feel unwell when your GP Surgery is closed, and you cannot wait until the practice reopens, call NHS 24 on 111 for advice. If you need to see doctor or other health professional, they will arrange this for you.

If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.

If a condition is life-threatening, we would always encourage people to go to A&E or call 999, but in all other circumstances, please think ABC before going to A&E.

For general medical advice, please visit NHS Inform.

For a speedy recovery, self care is the best option when you have a minor illness or injury. A well stocked medicine cabinet means you’ll receive the right treatment immediately.

Check your medicine cabinet

Make sure you have some over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for common seasonal illnesses in your medicine cabinet.

Things to have in your medicine cabinet include:

Paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief (check the label or speak to your pharmacist to check it’s suitable for you)
Anti-histamines to help allergies
Anti-diarrhoeals and oral rehydration sachets for diarrhoea
Indigestion remedies such as an antacid
Mild laxative for constipation
A first aid kit
Medicines specifically for children (your pharmacist can advise on the most suitable ones to keep in the house).

Remember that medicines go out of date, so don’t overstock your medicine cabinet. Always follow the advice on the pack, and if your symptoms continue (or are severe) get further advice by:

Calling your GP
Visiting your local Pharmacist
By visiting NHS Inform: www.nhsinform.scot
Calling NHS 24 on 111.

NHS inform

NHS inform is your national health information service. Visit www.nhsinform.scot for general NHS information, Sunday pharmacy opening times, and advice on a wide range of health issues.

If you’re well, but have a question about your health or local NHS services phone 0800 22 44 88. You can call or web chat for instant advice.

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 10.00pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9.00am – 5.00pm

Webchat, Language Line and BSL services are also available.

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