Scottish bank holiday dates

Scottish bank holiday dates.


2026 bank holiday dates

Date Day Holiday
1 January 2026 Thursday New Year's Day
2 January 2026 Friday 2nd January
3 April 2026 Friday Good Friday
4 May 2026 Monday Early May
25 May 2026 Monday Spring
3 August 2026 Monday Summer
30 November 2026 Monday St Andrew's Day
25 December 2026 Friday Christmas Day
28 December 2026* Monday Boxing Day

* = substitute day

World Cup bank holiday

The First Minister has announced he will propose Monday 15 June 2026 is designated as a national bank holiday. This is to mark Scotland playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1998. 

About bank holidays

Scottish bank holidays are the same across the whole of Scotland.

If a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a weekday becomes the bank holiday instead (usually the following Monday).

The King can create special bank holidays in any year.

Find out about bank holiday dates in the rest of the UK.

Local holidays

Public or local holidays are determined by local councils and can differ between areas. Check local council websites for local holidays.

Time off work

Not everyone is entitled to paid leave on bank or public holidays. If in doubt, check with your employer.

Banks and businesses

Banks in Scotland do not always close on Scottish bank holidays. For business reasons, Scottish banks tend to close on the same day as those in England and Wales.

There is no law requiring banks or any other businesses to close on bank holidays.

Contact

Email: protocolandhonours@gov.scot

Phone: 0300 244 4000 – Central Enquiry Unit

The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG

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