Scottish GP Rural Fellowship

A Unique Post-CCT Opportunity for the first five GPs

GP educators play a pivotal role in shaping the career paths of future GPs. One exciting option worth highlighting to doctors in training is the Scottish GP Rural Fellowship—a one-year post-CCT programme designed to immerse newly qualified GPs in the rich, varied world of rural medicine. 

What is the Scottish GP Rural Fellowship?

This fellowship offers structured, supported experience in remote and rural general practice, with options to include acute care or hybrid roles involving community hospitals. It’s ideal for trainees who are curious about rural life, want to broaden their clinical skills, or are considering long-term rural practice.

Why promote it to your GP speciality doctor?

Many registrars  are unaware of the breadth of opportunity rural practice offers—from clinical autonomy and community impact to lifestyle benefits. The Rural Fellowship provides a safe, supported way to explore this career path without long-term commitment. Importantly, it’s not just a stepping stone—a significant proportion of former fellows go on to establish long-term careers in rural Scotland, demonstrating the programme’s success in fostering sustainable rural workforce development. 

How to share information

Encourage interested GP registrars to explore the programme early. Advise them to look at the fellowship page on the deanery website. Encourage them to contact any of the practices mentioned in the links. Applications typically open in March for an August start.

More information is available on the Scottish Deanery GP Fellowships page, or you can contact Debbie Miller, Fellowship Coordinator, at debbie.miller@nhs.scot.