The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament. The Bill was published on 8 October 2025 and marks another major step forward in the UK’s journey toward improving regulation, patient safety, and professional accountability within the aesthetics sector.
The Scottish Government has also released a series of impact assessments to accompany the Bill, including the:
The new legislation outlines specific conditions under which non-surgical cosmetic procedures – previously categorised as Groups 2 and 3 – may be performed. These include treatments such as dermal fillers and botulinum toxin injections.
Key measures include:
The Bill provides for focused implementation, giving businesses time to adapt while maintaining flexibility for future legislative development. Scottish Ministers will retain powers to introduce further regulations once wider considerations, such as compliance with the UK Internal Market Act 2020, have been addressed.
This measured approach reflects the Government’s recognition of the complexity of the aesthetics sector and the need to balance patient protection with business practicality.
In addition to this Bill, the Scottish Government is also developing a licensing scheme for lower-risk procedures (formerly known as Group 1 treatments) under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. This will extend oversight to a wider range of aesthetic and cosmetic services, to make sure there are consistent standards across all levels of risk.
For aesthetic practitioners working in or serving clients from Scotland, this Bill is a significant development. It reinforces the importance of operating within a regulated clinical environment, adhering to safeguarding principles, and maintaining clear lines of accountability.
Eddie Hooker, CEO of Hamilton Fraser, commented: “The introduction of this Bill is a positive step for the aesthetics sector in Scotland and a clear signal that regulation across the UK is moving in the right direction. We fully support any measures that strengthen patient safety and professional accountability. It’s essential that practitioners understand their responsibilities, operate from compliant premises, and maintain robust insurance cover. These changes underline why safeguarding and governance must always remain at the heart of good practice.”
At Hamilton Fraser, we welcome this continued focus on public safety and professional standards. As with the forthcoming licensing scheme for England, the introduction of this Bill signals that all parts of the UK are moving toward a more robust and unified regulatory framework for aesthetics.
Practitioners should review their current premises registration, training credentials, and insurance coverage to make sure they are compliant once the Bill takes effect.
You can read the full Bill and its accompanying impact assessments on the Scottish Parliament website. You can also find more information on our partner, the JCCP’s, website.
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