It’s understood that Edinburgh, Fife, Borders and Falkirk councils don’t plan to treat June 15 as a public holiday.
Tartan Army in Cologne during the Euros(Image: DAILY RECORD)
Workers in four of the country’s council areas will not be granted a bank holiday following Scotland’s opening World Cup match. On Wednesday, a bank holiday was sanctioned by the King to give Scots the day off on Monday, June 15.
The decision was made to mark the national men’s football team’s return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998. Scotland’s opening match is against Haiti at around 2am UK time on Sunday, June 14.
Many councils and NHS boards said a decision on whether it will be observed locally has yet to be made, despite being confirmed by Royal Proclamation. Edinburgh and Fife councils both confirmed to STV News that they don’t plan to treat June 15 as a public holiday for their employees, with Scottish Borders and Falkirk councils also being understood to deny workers a bank holiday.
First Minister John Swinney enjoys a beer at Euro 2024.(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.)
Each individual health board would need to make a decision on whether a public holiday would be granted for NHS staff. The Scottish Government noted that arrangements could be potentially discussed through established processes.
Stirling Council suggested it may follow suit, with a spokesman saying: “We have no current plans for this to be considered.”
Glasgow City Council told the broadcaster that it is likely to observe the holiday, but it will be officially decided by a committee. Councils, including Argyll and Bute, Dundee, and South Lanarkshire, said a decision will be taken at a full council meeting later in February.
John Swinney noted he wants “as many people as possible to celebrate” Scotland’s return to the World Cup. He 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.”
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