removing / fixing dots from scanned photo

[Ofnuts]

Is it a scan that you did? If these "bubbles" are due to the texture of the print, then  try:

• scan the picture in at least two opposite directions  (ideally in the 4 possible directions). You have to be accurate, make sure that one side of the print is tucked along the edge of the scanner
  
• load all the layers in the same image: File>Open the first, then File>Open as layer| the others
  
• rotate the layers appropriately (90°, 180°, 270°)
  
• align them (but the top layer in Difference and move it around, when it is properly aligned on the one below the picture goes a lot darker)
  
• set all layers to Darken only mode (or all to Lighten only).
  

The idea is that the "bubbles" are due to the side lighting used by the scanner. By scanning in different directions you get shadows on different parts of the bubbles, and Lighten only or Darken only will keep the like-lighted parts, mitigating the bubbles.