Scotland has been granted a special one-off Bank Holiday to mark the men's national team's long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup, with King Charles approving an additional public holiday on Monday, June 15.
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This comes as the Tartan Army prepares to watch Scotland compete on football's biggest stage for the first time since 1998, ending a 28-year absence from the tournament.
2am kick-off sparks calls for time off
Scotland's opening World Cup fixture against Haiti is scheduled to kick off at 2am UK time on Sunday, June 14, due to the tournament being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The unusual timing prompted concerns that supporters would either have to miss the historic match or report to work after a sleepless night. In response, Scottish First Minister John Swinney proposed a one-off public holiday to allow fans to celebrate the occasion.
"Scotland will be on the world stage this summer and I want as many people as possible to be able to celebrate that moment," Swinney said, thanking King Charles for approving the proposal.
A landmark moment for Scottish football
Scotland secured qualification for the World Cup after defeating Denmark 4-2 in November, booking their place in the finals for the first time in nearly three decades.
For many supporters, the return represents the end of years of disappointment following repeated failed qualification campaigns since their last appearance at the tournament in France in 1998.
The national side heads into the competition with renewed optimism under manager Steve Clarke, with key players including John McGinn and Scott McTominay expected to spearhead Scotland's bid to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
Thousands expected to travel for opening match
The opening group-stage encounter against Haiti will take place near Boston, with thousands of Scottish supporters expected to make the journey across the Atlantic to cheer on their team.
The match has generated significant excitement among fans, many of whom have waited a generation to see Scotland return to the World Cup.
Not all workers will get the day off
While the Bank Holiday has been formally approved, its implementation will vary across Scotland. The holiday automatically applies to Scottish Government employees, but individual councils and employers will decide whether to adopt it.
Reports suggest that only five local authorities — Aberdeen City, Dundee City, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire — have agreed to grant staff the paid day off and close schools, while most others have declined or withdrawn support.
The announcement has also sparked comparisons with England, whose supporters have never received a dedicated public holiday for major international football tournaments despite regular appearances at World Cups and European Championships.
