GP partners in Scotland are facing huge financial liabilities for the repair of their premises, it has been reported.

At least one practice is thought to face a liability of £500,000 arising from the expiry of 30-year-old leases on premises.

Leading doctors said the problem explained why many rural practices struggled to find partners.

The problem has arisen because practices signed long leases for their premises in the 1980s. The leases required them to hand back their property in good order – but many of the premises are in poor shape, the Scottish Herald reported.

British Medical Association Scottish GP chair Dr Alan McDevitt said: “It’s already difficult to get partners in rural areas, but it’s even harder if you’re asking them to sign up to a lease with all of these liabilities for no financial return.

“It’s now deterring GPs from working in rural areas, in particular, and also some city areas.”

Lawyer Andy Drane said: “The highest claim I have seen is £500,000 and I’m currently representing around 20 GPs whose liabilities are over £100,000 each.

“If you ask someone to join a practice with six-figure liabilities the answer will probably be ‘no’.”