Royal Proclamation approved by His Majesty the King.
Monday 15 June 2026 has officially been confirmed as a national
bank holiday to mark Scotland's participation in the men's
football World Cup finals.
The holiday was proposed by First Minister to allow people, businesses
and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the team's
opening game against Haiti.
His Majesty King Charles has approved the Royal Proclamation,
confirming the bank holiday which will allow Scotland to
celebrate the first time the men's national team has participated
in the tournament since 1998.
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.”
Background
Scotland Bank Holiday
Proclamation
As is the case with other bank holidays in Scotland, there is no
law requiring banks or any other businesses to close. Employer
policy regarding bank holidays will be set out in contracts of
employment.
