Dr Owl, the wise and memorable character from the the Be Health-Wise This Winter campaign, is advising people to be aware that GP surgeries will be open on Wednesday December 24, before closing for four days - Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Saturday and Sunday , before reopening on Monday December 29.

GP surgeries will then follow normal opening hours until closing again on Thursday January 1, re-opening again on Monday January 5.

As well as knowing the holiday opening and closure times of your local GP, people are also being urged to make sure they have cold and flu remedies to treat common winter ailments and to plan ahead for any required repeat prescriptions.

Professor George Crooks, Medical Director of NHS 24, said: “Many GP surgeries will be closed for four days over Christmas and again at New Year, so it is essential that everyone is prepared and knows exactly when their local services are available and how to access them."

He added: “If you are unlucky enough to get a cough, cold or flu, buying over the counter medicine, staying at home and keeping warm will make you feel much better. And remember that many pharmacies will be open over the festive period. Your local pharmacist is a good source of information and you don't need an appointment to speak to them."

The national Be Health-Wise this Winter campaign is supported by NHSScotland in partnership with NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service, and all 14 Scottish Health Boards.

Many GPs will be working hard throughout the festive period supporting local out-of-hours services and the Be Health-Wise This Winter campaign has the backing of the British Medical Association (BMA) in Scotland.

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk/winter or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.