The new investment will support workforce retention and recruitment, build service capacity and support the day-to-day running of services.

The funding comes after discussions with the sector about the sustainability of GP services – negotiations will continue around further support to help shift care from acute to community.

Health secretary, Neil Gray, said: ‘We have been listening carefully to the views of Scotland's GPs and as a result, I am pleased to confirm an initial additional investment of £15m for the current financial year.

‘This new funding will help support capacity and ensure GPs and services in the community have the resources they need for their essential role in our health system. We remain in negotiations with the sector on the provision of further support in the future, but this initial instalment demonstrates this Government's commitment to supporting primary care and alleviating current pressures on the system.'