King Charles has given the go-ahead for a special one-off Bank Holiday to let football supporters stay up late and catch the World Cup action this weekend. Monday, June 15, has now been officially declared a national Bank Holiday – though the day off has only been granted to Scotland, after the nation secured its spot in the tournament for the first time in nearly three decades.
The Tartan Army earned their World Cup place following a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark in November, marking their first appearance in the competition since 1998. However, the timing of the tournament, which is taking place across Canada, Mexico and the US, means their opening group stage clash against Haiti at the Vistib Stadium kicks off at 2am on Sunday June 14.
Consequently, First Minister John Swinney argued the following day should be made a national Bank Holiday.
King Charles approves the holiday
He said: "Scotland will be on the world stage this summer and I want as many people as possible to be able to celebrate that moment."
"Football means a great deal to many people in this country and it has been almost three decades since our men's national team played at the World Cup finals tournament."
"We want to make the most of Scotland's participation in this global sporting event by ensuring people have the opportunity to come together and celebrate - no matter the outcome of the match."
"I am very grateful to His Majesty King Charles for approving the proposal and I encourage employers around the country to work with staff to put in place suitable arrangements that will allow as many of them as possible to join in the celebrations."
The King has officially endorsed the proposal, enabling Scotland supporters to remain awake late and back their national side in the early hours, assuming their bosses embrace the new holiday.
Not everyone gets the day off
The Bank Holiday ensures a day off for public sector workers under the Scottish Government, though it remains down to individual employers and local councils to determine whether to follow suit. The vast majority of Scottish local authorities, 27 out of 32, have formally declined or withdrawn from the Bank Holiday. Only Aberdeen City, Dundee City, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire have given their workforce the paid day off and agreed to close local schools.
Scotland find themselves in Group C, alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti. Their second encounter is against Morocco at a more reasonable time of 11pm on Friday June 19.
England fans not so lucky
England supporters have yet to be awarded a Bank Holiday for any of their World Cup fixtures. The latest kick-off time for the Three Lions is 10pm in the UK. England's opening encounter is against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17 at 9pm. They then take on Ghana on Tuesday 23rd at the same time, and Panama at 10pm on June 27.
