Friday February 6th 2026
World Cup trophy
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The day after Scotland Men’s first World Cup game has been confirmed as a bank holiday after King Charles approved the Royal Proclamation.
Aimed to allow Scotland to celebrate the first game, the bank holiday on Monday 15 June 2026 marks Scotland’s participation in the tournament after last taking part in 1998.
The holiday was proposed by First Minister John Swinney to allow people, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the team’s opening game against Haiti.
The First Minister 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.”
Businesses and Councils are not obliged to give their staff the day off.
Midlothian Council told us that there has not been a decision made yet but a discussion surrounding a bank holiday could take place at the council meeting on 24 February.
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