Football fans in Scotland will be given a day off work after the national team's opening World Cup match in June, the first minister, John Swinney, has announced.
Monday 15 June will be designated a national bank holiday, a day after Scotland take on Haiti at 2am UK time. It is the first time the men's team have qualified for the tournament since 1998.
Swinney said: 'I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be a national bank holiday so that – no matter the outcome of the match – we can all come together to share the occasion.'
The holiday will apply to public-sector employees whose work is managed by the Scottish government; other employers can decide whether to grant the day off. The move follows a dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark in November that secured qualification.
Swinney also highlighted benefits beyond football, saying: 'Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage.'
Late kick-offs have prompted calls for extended pub opening hours and fan zones for the matches against Haiti and Brazil.
