Under devolved powers, the Scottish government can set its own bank holidays in Scotland by royal proclamation.

First minister John Swinney will propose Monday 15 June 2026 is designated a national bank holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

This will allow individuals, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the men’s team play their opening game against Haiti in Boston. The timing of the match is tricky as the Scotland Haiti game kicks off at 2am British Summer Time on 15 June.

‘Scotland qualifying for the men’s World Cup was a remarkable achievement and a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark reminded us all what football means to the country,’ Swinney said.

‘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.

‘Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections.

‘That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that - no matter the outcome of the match - we can all come together to share the occasion.’

How this affects employers

The bank holiday is subject to final confirmation and there is time for employers to plan for the 15 June holiday.

It does raise issues for employers in England and Wales that have businesses and staff in Scotland. They will need to consider how this extra bank holiday will affect their business operations and their employees’ entitlements.

In England and Wales there will be the usual eight bank holidays in 2026. However, Scotland will have 10 bank holidays in 2026 instead of the usual nine.

There is no automatic right to have a public/bank holiday off work. Employers will need to look carefully at their contracts of employment to determine whether employees have a contractual right to time off.

Where employees’ contracts do not entitle them to the day off, the employer may choose to offer it as a paid day of leave anyway. For example, employers could decide to offer a paid day off to mark England playing their opening World Cup match. The first England game is at 9pm UK time on Wednesday 17 June.

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