![\"Tartan](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1_RTP_SDR_170624_TartanArmyKoln_021.jpg\")
<\/p>\nIt’s understood that Edinburgh, Fife, Borders and Falkirk councils don’t plan to treat June 15 as a public holiday.<\/p>\n
Tartan Army in Cologne during the Euros(Image: DAILY RECORD)<\/p>\n
Workers in four of the country’s council areas will not be granted a bank holiday following Scotland\u2019s opening World Cup match<\/a>. On Wednesday, a bank holiday was sanctioned by the King to give Scots the day off on Monday, June 15.<\/p>\n The decision was made to mark the national men\u2019s football team\u2019s return to the FIFA World Cup<\/a> for the first time since 1998. Scotland’s opening match is against Haiti at around 2am UK time on Sunday, June 14.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n First Minister John Swinney enjoys a beer at Euro 2024.(Image: Andrew Milligan\/PA Wire.)<\/p>\n Each individual health board would need to make a decision on whether a public holiday<\/a> would be granted for NHS staff. The Scottish Government noted that arrangements could be potentially discussed through established processes.<\/p>\n Stirling Council suggested it may follow suit<\/a>, with a spokesman saying: \u201cWe have no current plans for this to be considered.\u201d<\/p>\n Glasgow City Council told the broadcaster that it is likely to observe the holiday<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n John Swinney noted he wants \u201cas many people as possible to celebrate\u201d Scotland\u2019s return to the World Cu<\/a>p. He said: \u201cScotland will be on the world stage this summer and I want as many people as possible to be able to celebrate that moment.<\/p>\n “Football means a great deal to many people in this country and it has been almost three decades since our men\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to make the most of Scotland\u2019s participation in this global sporting event by ensuring people have the opportunity to come together and celebrate \u2013 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n![\"First](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1_CapturePNG.png\")
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