Scottish Government’s position regarding public holidays awarded for sporting events: FOI release

Information requested

Clarification on the Scottish Government’s position regarding public holidays awarded for sporting events, and the principles guiding these decisions. Specifically, you requested a clear explanation of how decisions on public holidays are made, and whether the Scottish Government intends to adopt a more equitable approach that recognises all Scottish athletes, regardless of sport, gender, or the team under which they compete.

Response

I have provided some of the information you requested below.

In terms of the process for establishing Bank Holidays, Bank holidays are set under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971. The relevant powers were devolved by the Scotland Act 1998. A day can be appointed as a bank holiday in Scotland by Royal Proclamation. The First Minister advises the Privy Council on proclamations for Scotland that are then designated by Royal Proclamation by His Majesty The King. This includes some of Scotland’s regular bank holidays and for previous one-off bank holidays, such as the Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and the Coronation in 2023.

The Royal Proclamation was delivered on 3 February, confirming Monday 15 June 2026 as a bank holiday in Scotland.

As the First Minister set out on 5 January, watching Scotland’s men’s team play in their first FIFA World Cup since 1998 represents a significant national moment. Marking this historic achievement with a bank holiday creates an opportunity for the country to come together and celebrate. It also enables us to maximise wider economic benefits – in particular for hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors – and offers Scotland the chance to be prominent on the world stage during a globally viewed event.

The Scottish Government does not hold some of the information you have requested regarding considerations of other bank holidays and whether the government intends to adopt a more equitable approach. This is because these questions relate to future intentions and there is consequently no information yet produced. This is a formal notification under Section 17(1) - information not held.

However, it may be helpful to understand that there are currently no plans to hold bank holidays to recognise other sporting events or achievements. This in no way diminishes the attainments, sporting or otherwise, of our athletes, who will, rightly be supported by the multitudes of fans across Scotland and the diaspora beyond, as they strive for success.

I note you submitted another query (ref: 202600505855) on 9 February 2026, which has been handled as routine Ministerial correspondence rather than under FOISA. In my response to that correspondence I have provided a response to the further issues you raised on the 15 June bank holiday and on housing. I hope this is helpful.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.