Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)

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Question reference: S6W-43185

Asked by: Carol Mochan, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 20 January 2026
Current Status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 29 January 2026

To ask the Scottish Government where the location will be for the first roll-out of self-sampling for cervical screening, which is expected to take place in spring 2026.

The first phase of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling pilot within the cervical screening programme will begin in some of Scotland’s most deprived areas within the Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and Lothian health board areas. Eligible women who have never, or have rarely, attended a cervical screening appointment will be offered a self-sampling kit when they visit participating GP practices. Following this initial phase, the pilot will expand into additional GP practices and healthcare settings within these health boards.

The learning from this pilot will be used to inform the national roll out of self-sampling, which is currently in the planning stages. This work will play a key role in increasing uptake of the cervical screening programme, supporting Scotland’s ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.

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Question reference: S6W-43185

Answer