GPs in Scotland have given overwhelming support to a new contract aimed at cutting red-tape for practices, it has been announced.

The proposal was backed by 71.5% of participating doctors. The plan was opposed by 28.5% of participants.

The Scottish government has promised to support the contract with £10 million worth of funding at the same time as reducing practice red-tape.

Dr Alan McDevitt, Chair of the British Medical Association’s Scottish GP Committee said he was pleased that the contract, created with the Scottish Government, will now be implemented.

“I truly believe that this contract offers stability and security of funding for practices in Scotland and will help to reduce the pressures of GP workload and improve GP recruitment and retention,” he said.

“The decision to proceed with implementation of this new contract reflects the high level of support for the contract shown in the poll of the profession and the views fed back through local medical committees.”

He said concerns raised about the contract – particularly regarding how additional services and health professionals will be provided in rural areas, and the income and expenses guarantee – will be examined.

“A short life working group tasked with providing solutions so that the contract is delivered in a way that works well for rural areas will be established, which will also look for further ways in which rural general practice can be supported,” said Dr McDevitt.

Scottish health secretary Shona Robison said: “This new contract, which is a historic joint agreement between the Scottish Government and the BMA, will ensure that GPs are able to spend more time with patients and less time on bureaucracy.

“It will cut doctors’ overall workload and make general practice an even more attractive career prospect.”