Scotland had 1,305 pharmacies in the first half of 2026, an increase of 15 on the previous year, according to Christie & Co’s Pharmacy Market Review 2026. The 1.2% rise comes as pharmacy numbers across the UK increased for the first time in more than five years.
The UK total reached 13,779, up 47 on 2025. While that is a welcome change after years of decline, the review shows why a growing network does not necessarily mean an easier operating environment.
In Christie & Co’s UK-wide survey, 52% of respondents said they felt negative about the sector’s outlook for 2026/27, compared with 48% in the previous survey. Rising energy and staff costs were identified as a challenge by 91%, while 88% cited medicine supply. These are UK-wide responses rather than findings specific to Scotland, but they capture pressures familiar to pharmacy teams across the profession.
There are also signs of improving performance. Among pharmacies appraised by Christie & Co, average EBITDA margin rose from 9.2% in 2025 to 11.5% in the first half of 2026. The figure is a benchmark from the firm’s appraisal work, rather than a measure of profitability across every Scottish pharmacy.
The review points to growing demand beyond dispensing. Across its survey, 68% of respondents reported increased patient demand for private services, while 52% identified weight-loss medication as an area of business growth. Looking ahead, 62% saw digital development as a growth opportunity and 41% were considering adding consultation rooms. Christie & Co also completed 77 pharmacy valuation instructions in Scotland during 2025, out of 312 across the UK.
For Scotland, the increase in pharmacy numbers is encouraging. The question now is how the network can sustain access and develop services while teams continue to manage rising costs and supply pressures.