Scotland Public Holidays

♻️ Last Updated: 18 February 2026

There are 9 Scotland Public Holidays observed nationally each year, with additional local variations depending on council areas. These official bank holidays reflect Scotland’s unique traditions, including distinct summer dates and national celebrations. Knowing the full schedule helps individuals and businesses plan ahead with clarity.

This guide to Scotland Public Holidays provides the complete list of official dates, explains their significance, and highlights how substitute days apply when holidays fall on weekends. Some dates differ from those in England and Wales.

Whether you are arranging annual leave, organising payroll, or planning travel, this clear overview of Scotland Public Holidays ensures you have accurate dates and straightforward explanations in one convenient place.

Scotland Public Holidays and Dates
Scotland Public Holidays and Dates

Scotland Public Holidays 2026

DateDayHoliday Name
1 January 2026ThursdayNew Year’s Day
2 January 2026Friday2nd January
3 April 2026FridayGood Friday
4 May 2026MondayEarly May Bank Holiday
25 May 2026MondaySpring Bank Holiday
3 August 2026MondaySummer Bank Holiday
30 November 2026MondaySt Andrew’s Day
25 December 2026FridayChristmas Day
28 December 2026MondayBoxing Day (substitute)

Note: The Boxing Day substitute occurs because 26 December falls on a Saturday in 2026.

Scotland Public Holidays 2027

DateDayHoliday Name
1 January 2027FridayNew Year’s Day
4 January 2027Monday2nd January (substitute)
26 March 2027FridayGood Friday
3 May 2027MondayEarly May Bank Holiday
31 May 2027MondaySpring Bank Holiday
2 August 2027MondaySummer Bank Holiday
30 November 2027TuesdaySt Andrew’s Day
27 December 2027MondayChristmas Day (substitute)
28 December 2027TuesdayBoxing Day (substitute)

Scotland Public Holidays 2028

DateDayHoliday Name
3 January 2028MondayNew Year’s Day (substitute)
4 January 2028Tuesday2nd January (substitute)
14 April 2028FridayGood Friday
1 May 2028MondayEarly May Bank Holiday
29 May 2028MondaySpring Bank Holiday
7 August 2028MondaySummer Bank Holiday
30 November 2028ThursdaySt Andrew’s Day
25 December 2028MondayChristmas Day
26 December 2028TuesdayBoxing Day

Understanding Scotland’s Holidays

Scottish bank holidays follow slightly different rules compared to the rest of the UK. While England, Wales, and Northern Ireland share many common dates, Scotland maintains its own unique calendar with distinct observances.

Key Differences You’ll Notice:

St Andrew’s Day (30 November) stands as Scotland’s national day—a public holiday that replaced the traditional Late Summer Holiday in some areas. Unlike the rest of the UK, Scotland doesn’t observe the Late May Bank Holiday on the same date as England and Wales.

The substitute day rule applies consistently across all bank holidays. When a holiday date falls on a weekend, the following Monday (or Tuesday for Christmas and New Year) becomes the official bank holiday. This ensures everyone receives their entitled time off, regardless of calendar quirks.

Special Bank Holidays

His Majesty The King retains the power to declare special bank holidays through royal proclamation. These extraordinary occasions—like coronations or significant national celebrations—add extra days to the calendar. When announced, they apply across the UK, including Scotland.

Scottish Bank Holidays vs. Local Holidays

Here’s where planning gets interesting. While bank holidays remain consistent across Scotland, local holidays vary significantly between areas. Think of it this way:

AspectBank HolidaysLocal Holidays
CoverageNationwide across ScotlandSpecific council areas
SettingSet by UK/Scottish GovernmentDetermined by local councils
ExamplesChristmas, New Year, May DayEdinburgh’s trades, Glasgow fairs
ConsistencySame dates everywhereBig local area differences

Scottish Local Holidays by Council create unique regional patterns. For instance, Edinburgh observes different local holidays than Glasgow, reflecting each area’s traditions and history. Always check with specific local councils for their exact schedules.

Your Rights: Time Off and Pay

Are Scottish bank holidays paid? The short answer: it depends on your contract. Unlike common belief, there’s no automatic legal entitlement to paid leave on bank holidays.

What You Need to Know:

Check your contract first. Your employer rights and obligations are spelled out in your employment agreement. Some contracts include bank holidays as part of your annual leave allowance. Others treat them as normal working days with potentially higher pay.

Time off work arrangements vary by industry. Retail, hospitality, and healthcare sectors often require staffing on public holidays, sometimes offering enhanced rates or alternative days off in compensation.

If you’re unsure about your situation, the simplest step is to check employer policies directly. Your HR department or employee handbook should clearly outline what applies to your role.

Explore Other Public Holidays:

Remember that UK Bank Holidays across Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland differ—always check regional variations when planning cross-border trips.

Ready to plan? Bookmark this guide and check back for any special announcements. For the most current information, the Scottish Government website remains your definitive source. Happy planning

FAQs

How many public holidays does Scotland have?

Scotland has 9 national public holidays annually. Some years include additional special holidays by royal proclamation.

Are bank holidays the same across the whole of Scotland?
What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
Do I automatically get bank holidays off work?
Is St Andrew’s Day a public holiday everywhere in Scotland?
Are local holidays the same as bank holidays?
Does Scotland have the same May Day holiday as England?
Where can I find local holiday dates for my area?

Useful Resources

For the most authoritative information, visit:

Scottish Government 🡵