Monday 15 June 2026 has officially been confirmed as a national bank holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the men’s football World Cup finals, but a number of major councils have stated they will not be acknowledging it.
Local retailers may have benefitted from an extra bank holiday sales opportunity, but Edinburgh and Fife councils have confirmed they have no plans to treat Monday 15 June as a holiday and other councils have yet to make a decision.
The holiday was proposed by First Minister, John Swinney, to allow people, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the national team’s opening game against Haiti, which marks first time the men’s national team has participated in the tournament since 1998.
Following the King’s approval of the holiday, Swinney said:
“Scotland will be on the world stage this summer and I want as many people as possible to be able to celebrate that moment. Football means a great deal to many people in this country and it has been almost three decades since our men’s national team played at the World Cup finals tournament. The joyous reaction when Steve Clarke and his players secured qualification demonstrated what it meant to end that long absence.
“We want to make the most of Scotland’s participation in this global sporting event by ensuring people have the opportunity to come together and celebrate – no matter the outcome of the match. That is why I proposed making the Monday following our opening game in Boston a national bank holiday.
“I am very grateful to His Majesty King Charles for approving the proposal and I encourage employers around the country to work with staff to put in place suitable arrangements that will allow as many of them as possible to join in the celebrations.”
