Senior doctors have accused the Scottish Government of having its “head in the sand” over pay after it refused to engage in talks.
BMA Scotland announced on Thursday it would open a ballot on October 26 and close it on December 7.
Consultants and specialist doctors will be balloted in separate votes on potential strike action, which has been described as a “last resort”.
🗓️ BALLOT DATES for consultants in 🏴
The vote on industrial action will take place between Oct 26 and Dec 7.
Only members are able to vote – so join the BMA to have your say and demand better working lives. Read more from SCC chair Dr Joanna Bredski:https://t.co/oBf4xZgHXx
— BMA Scotland (@BMAScotland) September 17, 2026
Dr Joanna Bredski, the chairwoman of the BMA’s Scottish consultants committee, said the Government had “refused our reasonable requests for further meaningful negotiations”.
“The Government is burying its head in the sand as senior doctor vacancies worsen and we go on losing doctors to more attractive options outside the NHS or abroad,” she said.
“This appears to be part of a worrying pattern emerging of senior doctors being undervalued and ignored in Scotland, and not just when it comes to discussions on pay and working conditions.
“Plans for health board reform were recently announced without any consultation and they must not be bulldozed through without the voices of doctors and NHS staff being heard and taken into account.
“We will urge senior doctors to vote yes in this ballot to send a loud and clear message to the Scottish Government that we will not be ignored.”
Taking industrial action would be a last resort, but we are prepared to do so if it is the only action that will bring the Scottish Government back to the table
Dr Bredski added that pay for senior doctors has eroded by 23% since 2008, saying that the union “cannot stand by” while the Government refuses to even enter talks.
“Taking industrial action would be a last resort, but we are prepared to do so if it is the only action that will bring the Scottish Government back to the table,” she said.
Dr Sine Steele, the chairwoman of the BMA’s specialty, associate specialist and specialist doctor committee, added: “There is anger and dismay that working conditions are worse, many vacancies are unfilled, gaps in the workforce are growing and patient safety is suffering.
“NHS services in Scotland are under huge pressure, with growing waiting lists and the only way we can fix that is by making it an attractive place to work and recruiting and retaining the doctors we need.
“We want the Scottish Government to come to the table for discussions on how we can make that happen, including improving the work-life balance for senior doctors along with tackling pay erosion.”
Health Secretary Angela Constance said the announcement was “disappointing”, as she urged them to “reconsider” the decision.
“Consultants and specialists are set to receive an above-inflation 3.5% pay uplift for this financial year that goes beyond public sector policy,” she said.
“This was based on the independent recommendation from the review body on doctors’ and dentists’ remuneration that I believe is both fair and equitable.
“It means that a consultant on the top of the scale now earns £153,247 and a specialist doctor will earn between £104,401 and £115,342.
“I’m grateful to all medical staff for the invaluable contribution they make to the people of Scotland in delivering safe, effective and high-quality care across our communities.
“Strike action is in no-one’s interest and will only lead to longer waiting times for our patients.
“I would ask that BMA Scotland reconsider their position and work with us to continue improving healthcare for people across the country.”