King Charles has approved a one-off bank holiday for Scotland's first World Cup match in 28 years — but the celebrations will be far from universal, with 27 of Scotland's 32 local authorities refusing to give staff the day off.
The holiday falls on Monday, June 15, 2026, the day after Scotland kick off their campaign against Haiti at 2am local time. First Minister John Swinney proposed the day off, arguing it would let fans “celebrate and recover” after staying up into the early hours. “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,” Swinney said.
“King Charles approves one-off bank holiday for Scotland's World Cup match, but 27 of 32 councils reject it.”
The Royal Proclamation, issued under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, applies only to Scotland. English fans immediately cried foul. One fan, Chris, told The Sun: “I don’t understand why they’d be getting a bank holiday on the Monday if the game is on the Saturday night into Sunday morning. They’ve still got 18 hours to recover. But I suppose to give them their moment in the spotlight. Let them have a day off work because they’ll be going home in a week anyway.”
An X user urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to give England a similar holiday. But the government has long resisted such moves. After the Lionesses won the Euros in 2023, fans pushed for a day off but were refused. A government spokesperson told the BBC: “The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established, and there are no plans to change this.”
Even within Scotland, the holiday is a patchwork. Only five councils — Aberdeen City, Dundee City, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire — have granted staff the paid day off and closed schools. The remaining 27 have opted out, meaning many Scots will still head to work or school on Monday. Public-sector workers employed directly by the Scottish Government will get the day, but for everyone else it is up to individual employers.
Swinney acknowledged the inconsistency, saying: “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.”
The cost of such a holiday can be significant. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had promised a bank holiday if the Matildas won the World Cup, but they were knocked out by England before he had to deliver.
For Scotland, the match against Haiti kicks off at 9pm in Boston — 2am on Sunday for fans at home. The bank holiday gives them Monday to recover, but only if their council or employer decides to take part.