An extra bank holiday has been confirmed for Scotland following approval from King Charles and the government. The special one-off holiday will take place on Monday, 15 June 2026, to mark the national men's football team competing in the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
This year's World Cup is being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Scotland's opening match will be against Haiti in Boston, kicking off at 2am UK time on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
The proclamation, issued from Buckingham Palace, stated that the King approved the holiday "to mark the achievement of Scotland's men's football team competing at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years." It further declared: "We consider it desirable that Monday, the fifteenth day of June in the year 2026 should be a bank holiday in Scotland."
First Minister Welcomes the Holiday
First Minister John Swinney expressed his enthusiasm, saying: "This year, we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team's success." He added: "That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be a national bank holiday, so that – no matter the outcome of the match – we can all come together to share the occasion."
Political Reactions
However, not all reactions were positive. Murdo Fraser, Conservative MSP, criticized the decision, stating that Mr Swinney "was busy chasing easy headlines rather than thinking through the implications" of the holiday. He questioned: "It begs the question as to who will actually be enjoying an extra bank holiday."
The Scottish government responded: "The First Minister wants as many people as possible to enjoy the World Cup opener bank holiday on 15 June." Regarding school closures, it noted: "In Scotland, the decision on whether schools close is taken by local councils but the First Minister is keen for them to be as flexible as possible to ensure as many people as possible can celebrate."
