Monday after Scotland's World Cup opener against Haiti to be bank holiday

First Minister John Swinney has proposed a bank holiday the day after Scotland’s World Cup opener against Haiti.

The SNP leader says Monday, June 15, should be designated as a national holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the tournament for the first time since 1998.

Steve Clarke’s men qualified last year for the major finals in North America, drawing in a group with Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.

The opener against the Haitians is on Sunday, June 14, with a kick-off time of around 2am, UK time.

The Tartan Army would be allowed the chance to celebrate into the wee hours with the following day as a bank holiday.

Swinney said: “Scotland qualifying for the men’s World Cup was a remarkable achievement and a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark reminded us all what football means to the country.

“This year, we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success.

“Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections.

“That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that – no matter the outcome of the match – we can all come together to share the occasion.”

Swinney has previously said the Scottish Government will work closely with local authorities on extended pub opening hours on the days Scotland are playing.

Will you get the bank holiday off?

Bank or public holidays do not have to be given as paid leave and there is no requirement for businesses to close.

An employer can choose to include bank holidays as part of a worker’s statutory annual leave.

Only government employees are guaranteed to receive the extra day off, depending on contracts.

Powers over bank holidays are devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

A day can be appointed as a bank holiday in Scotland by royal proclamation.

The First Minister is able to advise the Privy Council, an advisory board to the monarch, on proclamations for Scotland, which are then formally signed off by the King.

‘Most expensive pre-election bribe to date’

Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay supported the move, but suggested it could be the First Minister’s “most expensive pre-election bribe to date”.

“It would be churlish to oppose this given the achievement of the Scotland men’s team in reaching the World Cup finals,” he said in response to Monday’s announcement.

“I’ll be glued in the wee small hours like everyone else to our first match but it appears John Swinney has given the green light for a two-day hangover in Scotland.

“However, there is a serious point to be made about why the First Minister has decided to do this. Given we’re now in an election year, the cynic in me thinks this is his most expensive pre-election bribe to date.”

While Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton urged Swinney to go further.

“The Scottish Government needs to go further to help make sure pubs get late-night licences to show the Scotland games,” he said.

“Your local grassroots rugby or tennis club should be allowed to open up too because I’m sure their members would pack them out, even at 2am.

“We’ve already had fantastic support from the pub trade for our proposals. It’s time to make this a summer to remember.”