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
15 June 2026 Monday World Cup
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

Monday 15 June 2026 has officially been confirmed as a national bank holiday. This is to mark Scotland playing in the men's football World Cup for the first time since 1998.

The holiday was proposed by the First Minister and approved by His Majesty The King.

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).

His Majesty 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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