Overview
- The First Minister said he has written to the Privy Council recommending a one-off bank holiday on Monday 15 June 2026.
- Scotland open against Haiti in Boston at 02:00 GMT on Sunday 14 June, with the proposed day off positioned as a national celebration and recovery day.
- Under the Scotland Act 1998 and the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, the day would be created by a Royal Proclamation from the King, which has not yet been issued.
- Even if proclaimed, the holiday would not automatically apply to private-sector staff or UK government employees in Scotland, with individual employers determining leave and trading hours.
- Swinney framed the move as a chance to showcase Scotland and spur tourism and business, as commentators noted costs of additional bank holidays and England signaled no equivalent plan.