GPs are seen as “second class medics” and urgent action is needed to tackle a staffing crisis, the health Secretary has been told.

MSPs on the health Committee at Holyrood have said GPs are not seen as an attractive future career by medical students.

The committee has written to Shona Robison with suggestions to make a career as a GP more appealing to young medics.

It took evidence from the medical profession into improving GP services and dealing with a shortage that exists in many areas.

GPs have said some practices in Glasgow could be forced to close as they are unable to fill vacancies to cope with increasing workload.

The committee said there was a “negative portrayal” of general practice which was deterring students from pursuing it as a career

Committee convenor Neil Findlay said: “Convener of the Health and Sport Committee Neil Findlay MSP said: “What was clear was that within the medical profession general practitioners were viewed as second class medics. This Committee considers this issue so fundamental that unless it is addressed we don’t see how any attempts to boost recruitment can work.

“We also heard of real issues around retaining medical students who train in Scotland. More needs to be done to come up with ways to encourage students who study here to stay here and practice.”

The committee backed the idea of a “golden handcuffs” deal to retain students in Scotland to work once they are qualified.