Scotland to get bank holiday to mark world cup

First Minister John Swinney has proposed making Monday 15 June a national bank holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the world cup for the first time since 1998.

He said this will allow individuals, businesses and other organisations to celebrate Scotland’s opening game against Haiti in Boston.

Meanwhile, asked about the World Cup at a separate event on Monday, Scottish Conservatives leader Russell Findlay described the lyrics to the Scottish side’s unofficial anthem Flower of Scotland as “cringe”.

Mr Swinney 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.

“This year, we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success.

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“Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections.

“That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be a national bank holiday, so that - no matter the outcome of the match - we can all come together to share the occasion.”

The proposed bank holiday is in addition to the bank holidays already scheduled in 2026. The Scottish Government plans to submit the recommendation for a bank holiday to a meeting of the Privy Council shortly.

However, there is no law requiring banks or any other businesses to close - individual employers will ultimately decide whether to close for the day or not.

Mr Findlay backed calls to replace Flower of Scotland ahead of the tournament.

He said it was a "lovely tune" but some of the lyrics are "maximum Scottish cringe", and suggested Loch Lomond as an alternative.

Flower of Scotland was written in the 1960s and first sung at Scotland games in 1993. It was officially adopted by the Scottish Football Association in 1997.

However, there has long been controversy over its lyrics, which refer to the victory of Robert the Bruce over Edward II, King of England, at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

READ MORE: Scotland’s National Anthem: What is the Scottish National Anthem and why was it chosen? Lyrics and origins

Labour peer Jack McConnell, who was First Minister between 2001 and 2007, previously called for it to be replaced with something more “positive”.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser has argued it is “outdated”, adding: “Frankly it does little to stir the emotions and can be considered jingoistic with its tone and lyrics.”

Asked for his view, Mr Findlay said: "Privately, I often make this point. I find Flower of Scotland, it's a lovely tune, but some of the lyrics are maximum Scottish cringe.

"I think maybe we should think about coming up with something a bit better. I quite like Loch Lomond, for what it's worth."

Bank holidays cost the UK billions in lost GDP.

Mr Findlay, who was giving a speech in Edinburgh to kick off the new year, said it would be “churlish” not to support the First Minister’s proposal, but added: “But there is a serious point as to whether this is perhaps John Swinney’s most expensive electoral bribe to date.”

He added: “You have to be a little bit cynical about what’s motivating that on his part, and using public funds to do so.”