Falkirk Council still to decide on World Cup bank holiday
Falkirk councillors will decide next month if it will observe the bank holiday to mark Scotland reaching the men’s football World Cup finals.
First Minister John Swinney came up with the proposal to make June 15 a bank holiday and it was granted by Royal Proclamation from HM King Charles last week.
But some local authorities, including City of Edinburgh, have already said they will not observe the new bank holiday.
Scotland was last in the World Cup in 1998, and the declaration from palace officials came when Mr Swinney asked for the day after Scotland’s debut game in the cup to be marked as an annual holiday.
Scotland national team will have their first fixture against Haiti on Sunday, June 14.
Buckingham Palace said: “To mark the achievement of Scotland’s men’s football team competing at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years, we consider it desirable that Monday, the fifteenth day of June in the year 2026 should be a bank holiday in Scotland.”
The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has criticised the move by some councils not to observe the bank holiday and urged remaining councils to honour June 15.
Paul Togneri , SBPA spokesperson, said: “We are deeply disappointed that several major Scottish councils — including Edinburgh, Fife and Scottish Borders – have now confirmed they will not recognise the World Cup bank holiday. These decisions collectively undermine what should be a unifying national moment and deny local pubs and hospitality venues the economic and community boost that this celebration would naturally bring.
“With other authorities still to decide, we strongly urge them to adopt the holiday in full. Scotland’s first Men’s World Cup appearance since 1998 is a once‑in‑a‑generation event, and councils have a real opportunity to support local businesses, encourage responsible celebration, and give communities the chance to come together. We encourage undecided councils to do the right thing and honour the holiday for the benefit of fans, local economies, and the national spirit.”
A Falkirk Council spokesperson said: "There is currently no bank holiday planned for June 15. Council services and schools would be expected to operate as normal unless agreed otherwise.
"Following Royal Assent, a decision on whether to observe the bank holiday will be considered by elected members in March."