Scotland has 10 bank holidays in 2026, including the usual New Year, Easter, summer and Christmas holidays plus a one-off World Cup bank holiday on Monday 15 June 2026. The dates below apply across Scotland.
Scottish bank holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Bank 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 bank holiday |
| 25 May 2026 | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 15 June 2026 | Monday | World Cup bank holiday Scotland only |
| 3 August 2026 | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 30 November 2026 | Monday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December 2026 | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute day) |
Why is 15 June 2026 a bank holiday in Scotland?
Monday 15 June 2026 is a one-off national bank holiday marking Scotland’s participation in the men’s football World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.
How Scottish bank holidays differ from England and Wales
Scotland has a different bank holiday calendar from England and Wales. In 2026, Scotland has 10 bank holidays compared with 8 in England and Wales. Scotland observes 2 January and St Andrew’s Day, and its summer bank holiday falls on 3 August rather than 31 August. Scotland does not have Easter Monday as a bank holiday. In 2026, Scotland also has the additional World Cup bank holiday on 15 June.
Why is Boxing Day on 28 December in 2026?
Boxing Day falls on Saturday 26 December in 2026. Because it falls at the weekend, Monday 28 December is the substitute bank holiday.
Do businesses have to close on Scottish bank holidays?
No. A bank holiday does not automatically require banks, shops or other businesses to close, and employees are not automatically entitled to paid time off on every bank holiday. Holiday arrangements depend on the employer and the employee’s contract.
Related DateTools
- UK Bank Holidays 2026 — compare dates across the UK
- Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026 — see the Northern Ireland calendar
- UK Working Days Calculator — calculate working days between dates
- Is Today a Bank Holiday in the UK? — check today’s status
Last verified: September 2026
Sources: Scottish Government and GOV.UK bank holiday calendars.