[Scotland] Public holiday proposed to celebrate nation's World Cup return

In Scotland, a public holiday could potentially mark the men's national team playing in its first World Cup since 1998, BBC News reports.

Scotland is set to face Haiti in Boston at 02:00 BST on June 14, before taking on Morocco and Brazil in their remaining group fixtures in the US.

First Minister John Swinney has reportedly proposed that June 15 be designated as a national bank holiday.

Only public sector employees in areas controlled by the Scottish government would be assured a day off, depending on their contract. However, other employers could follow suit at their discretion.

A day can be appointed as a bank holiday in Scotland by royal proclamation. The proposal will be formally confirmed once it has been rubber-stamped by the King.

Speaking at an event in Glasgow, Mr Swinney said, "The whole nation will come to a standstill in June - even more so in July once we've seen off Brazil and progressed to the knockout stages. This is a moment 28 years in the waiting - and I want as many people as possible to share the occasion.

"That will mean that supporters across the country can watch our men's team in their first World Cup match for almost 30 years, and share in the chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, to create tourism and hospitality interest within the country and to make deep and lasting cultural and sporting connections."

Scotland can reportedly set bank holidays that are distinct from the rest of the UK.

Source: BBC News

(Quote via original reporting)

In Scotland, a public holiday could potentially mark the men's national team playing in its first World Cup since 1998, BBC News reports.

Scotland is set to face Haiti in Boston at 02:00 BST on June 14, before taking on Morocco and Brazil in their remaining group fixtures in the US.

First Minister John Swinney has reportedly proposed that June 15 be designated as a national bank holiday.

Only public sector employees in areas controlled by the Scottish government would be assured a day off, depending on their contract. However, other employers could follow suit at their discretion.

A day can be appointed as a bank holiday in Scotland by royal proclamation. The proposal will be formally confirmed once it has been rubber-stamped by the King.

Speaking at an event in Glasgow, Mr Swinney said, "The whole nation will come to a standstill in June - even more so in July once we've seen off Brazil and progressed to the knockout stages. This is a moment 28 years in the waiting - and I want as many people as possible to share the occasion.

"That will mean that supporters across the country can watch our men's team in their first World Cup match for almost 30 years, and share in the chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, to create tourism and hospitality interest within the country and to make deep and lasting cultural and sporting connections."

Scotland can reportedly set bank holidays that are distinct from the rest of the UK.

Source: BBC News

(Quote via original reporting)