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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Katie Williams

Campaigners want extra Bank Holiday in Scotland from 2023 to 'thank' people

Scots are calling for another Bank Holiday to added to the calendar.

An extra day off could be on the cards after a campaign has been launched to give everyone a 'Thank Holiday'.

As the Daily Record reports, the reason behind it is to recognise the service of millions of people across the country, especially over the last two years of the pandemic.

READ MORE- Five new Scottish laws and rules coming into force this month that will impact everyone

As well as that, it would also recognise The Queen's "extraordinary service". Calls for the Bank Holiday come ahead of her Platinum Jubilee.

The Scottish and UK Government have been called upon to create the new annual bank holiday from 2023.

The "Thank Holiday" is being supported by a large range of organisations, charities, businesses and individuals, including the Scottish Retail Consortium, CBI Scotland, UKHospitality, the Scouts, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and the Trades Union Congress.

It is hoped the celebrations would boost businesses in the town centre who would stay open for customers, while more punters would visit pubs, bars and restaurants on their extra day off.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: "The Thank Holiday campaign is a great idea that would be welcomed by Scotland's retail sector.

"Shops would relish the chance to help people plan local celebrations, and it would be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to all those who have gone above and beyond and supported their communities so magnificently during the past two years."

Frances O'Grady, general secretary of the TUC, said an extra public holiday every year would be "a great way to thank workers across the UK for getting us through these tough times".

Tracy Black, CBI Scotland director, said the proposal for a new Thank Holiday to "recognise the Queen's selfless service and to extend that notion of service across communities is a really exciting one".

Celebrities including Bear Grylls said and Dame Prue Leith have also given their backing.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The First Minister has taken the necessary steps to ensure that the Queen's Platinum Jubilee is appropriately recognised with an extended bank holiday in 2022 in Scotland.

"The people of Scotland will have access to this long weekend in early June to enjoy community-led celebratory events."

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