Edinburgh council confirms that it will not recognise Scotland World Cup bank holiday

A spokesperson for the council confirmed that the local authority had no plans to treat 15 June as a bank holiday. The holiday was proposed by first minister John Swinney and the Royal Proclamation approved by King Charles yesterday.

Scotland travel to Boston to play Haiti on 14 June, the national side’s first World Cup finals game since a 3-0 defeat to Morocco at France 98.

Mr Swinney said: “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.”

As is the case with other bank holidays in Scotland, there is no law requiring banks or any other businesses to close.

Edinburgh council confirmed that they would not observe the national bank holiday in celebration of Scotland’s first Men’s World Cup game in 28 years. | PA

Elsewhere, West Lothian Council said that they would consider the proposal through formal procedures before making a decision as to whether they would recognise the bank holiday.

A spokesperson for West Lothian Council said: “The council will consider the proposed bank holiday through its usual governance processes. A formal decision will be made in due course”

Midlothian Council expects to put the paper before full council on 24 February. East Lothian Council said that they are also yet to make a decision on the bank holiday, but did not give a timeframe.

NHS Lothian said that they are awaiting guidance from Scottish Government before making a decision.

The bank holiday was first mooted by the first minister after November’s historic win over Denmark saw the Scots booking their place at the 2026 Men’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will mark the first time Scotland have participated at the tournament since 1998.

The national side will see a repeat of their last participation at the tournament when they play Brazil and Morocco in their other group games.

Mr Swinney confirmed last month that he would seek to have the national bank holiday made official to celebrate after the men’s team play their opening game.

He said: “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.”