Bank Holidays Scotland: The full list of Scottish bank holidays in 2026 – including World Cup extra
Here is every Scottish bank holiday this year, including one bonus day to mark Scotland’s return to the World Cup.
Scotland is set to enjoy an extra bank holiday in 2026, with a day off now confirmed for June 15.
To celebrate the Scotland men’s national team qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, the King has officially declared the day after the opening match a bank holiday.
Requested by First Minister John Swinney, the one-off bank holiday is one of several days unique to Scotland alongside January 2 and St Andrews Day. If you are trying make the most of your allotted time off this year, knowing when public holidays are is key.
Here’s everything you need to know about Scotland’s 2026 bank holidays – including the extra day for the World Cup.
Every bank holiday in Scotland 2026
Including those which have already passed, here is every confirmed Scottish bank holiday in 2026:
- Thursday, January 1 — New Year's Day
- Friday, January 2 — January 2
- Friday, April 3 — Good Friday
- Monday, May 4 — Early May bank holiday
- Monday, May 25 — Spring bank holiday
- Monday, June 15 — World Cup bank holiday
- Monday, August 3 — Summer bank holiday
- Monday, November 30 — St Andrew's Day
- Friday, December 25 — Christmas Day
- Monday, December 28 — Boxing Day
Despite these days being designated as public holidays, unfortunately not everyone will be guaranteed a day off – especially with the newly added World Cup bank holiday.
As well as national bank holidays, councils in Scotland have the power to set their own public holidays. For example, in Shetland there is a public holiday for Up Helly Aa.
When is Scotland’s 2026 World Cup bank holiday?
Monday, June 15 has been declared as an additional public holiday for Scotland in 2026.
It follows Scotland’s match against Haiti, which will kick off at 2am on Sunday, June 14 in the UK. Those looking to celebrate – and who have the Monday off – will be able to watch the match live with two large fan zones coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow for the event.
First Minister Swinney said that the bank holiday was established to “ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success.”
Easter Monday isn’t a national bank holiday in Scotland
Unlike in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Easter Monday – which takes place on Monday, April 6 2026 – isn’t a national bank holiday in Scotland.
Instead, local authorities choose whether or not the date is observed or not. The majority of councils in Scotland do recognise Easter Monday as a public holiday, though there are several which don’t.
With that being said, Scottish banks have synced up the days they are closed with their counterparts in England and Wales, and as such you can expect them to be closed on Easter Monday.
Who sets bank holidays in Scotland?
In Scotland, bank holidays are set by ministers in the Scottish Government – though the King can also appoint additional days for events such as coronations.
To set a day as a bank holiday in Scotland, the First Minister will advise the Privy Council on proclamations for Scotland, which are then designated by Royal Proclamation by His Majesty the King.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.