UK 2026 Bank Holidays Updated with New Additional Date
Ministers have confirmed the 2026 bank holiday dates across the UK. Scotland will receive an extra public holiday on Monday 15 June 2026.
Filmogaz.com notes the development in its coverage of UK 2026 Bank Holidays Updated with New Additional Date. The extra day marks Scotland’s participation in the FIFA World Cup.
Reason and legal basis for the extra day
Buckingham Palace authorised the additional holiday for Scotland. The appointment was made under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.
The move recognises Scotland men’s team competing at the World Cup. It is the nation’s first appearance in the tournament in 28 years.
How the nations differ
- All four nations observe New Year’s Day on 1 January and Good Friday on 3 April.
- England, Wales and Northern Ireland have Easter Monday on 6 April; Scotland does not.
- Early May bank holiday (4 May) and Spring bank holiday (25 May) apply UK-wide.
- Boxing Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, so Monday 28 December is the substitute across the UK.
- Northern Ireland alone marks the Battle of the Boyne on Monday 13 July.
- Scotland has unique days: 2 January, 30 November and the June World Cup holiday.
- Summer bank holiday dates differ: Scotland observes it on 3 August.
Full list of 2026 bank holidays by nation
England and Wales
- Thursday 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Friday 3 April – Good Friday
- Monday 6 April – Easter Monday
- Monday 4 May – Early May bank holiday
- Monday 25 May – Spring bank holiday
- Monday 31 August – Summer bank holiday
- Friday 25 December – Christmas Day
- Monday 28 December – Boxing Day (substitute)
Scotland
- Thursday 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Friday 2 January – 2nd January
- Friday 3 April – Good Friday
- Monday 4 May – Early May bank holiday
- Monday 25 May – Spring bank holiday
- Monday 15 June – World Cup bank holiday (extra)
- Monday 3 August – Summer bank holiday
- Monday 30 November – St Andrew’s Day
- Friday 25 December – Christmas Day
- Monday 28 December – Boxing Day (substitute)
Northern Ireland
- Thursday 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Tuesday 17 March – St Patrick’s Day
- Friday 3 April – Good Friday
- Monday 6 April – Easter Monday
- Monday 4 May – Early May bank holiday
- Monday 25 May – Spring bank holiday
- Monday 13 July – Battle of the Boyne (substitute)
- Monday 31 August – Summer bank holiday
- Friday 25 December – Christmas Day
- Monday 28 December – Boxing Day (substitute)
Employers and the public should note the differences between nations. Filmogaz.com will monitor any further announcements.
