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UK Bank HolidaysIndependent dates guide

Scotland

Scotland Bank Holidays 2026

Scotland has nine bank holidays in 2026, with its own additions of 2nd January and St Andrew's Day and an early August summer holiday.

Reviewed for the 2026 holiday year

Scotland bank holidays 2026
HolidayDate (2026)DayNotes
New Year's Day1 January 2026Thursday—
2nd January2 January 2026Friday—
Good Friday3 April 2026Friday—
Early May bank holiday4 May 2026Monday—
Spring bank holiday25 May 2026Monday—
Summer bank holiday3 August 2026MondayScotland's summer bank holiday falls in early August, not late August.
St Andrew's Day30 November 2026Monday—
Christmas Day25 December 2026Friday—
Boxing Day (substitute day)28 December 2026Monday26 December falls on a Saturday, so the holiday moves to Monday 28 December.

What makes the Scottish calendar different

  • 2nd January, Friday 2 January 2026, extends the New Year break.
  • Easter Monday is not a bank holiday in Scotland.
  • The summer bank holiday falls on Monday 3 August 2026, not late August.
  • St Andrew's Day, Monday 30 November 2026, closes the national calendar.

Local and trades holidays

Scottish councils commonly set local holidays for their own areas, and these are separate from the national bank holidays above. Because they differ between cities and towns, they are not included in this list — your council and your employer are the reliable sources.

Banking in Scotland on bank holidays

Branch closures broadly follow the Scottish list, so 2nd January and St Andrew's Day affect branches in Scotland but not those in England or Wales. Payment cycles such as Bacs and CHAPS run on UK-wide banking days, which can differ from the local holiday, so a Scottish holiday does not always stop a payment.

Cross-border working

If you work for an organisation with sites in more than one nation, holiday entitlement often follows the site's location. Confirm which calendar applies to your contract.

Scotland bank holidays: FAQs

How many bank holidays does Scotland have in 2026?

Scotland has 9 bank holidays in 2026, including 2nd January on Friday 2 January and St Andrew's Day on Monday 30 November.

Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in Scotland?

No. Good Friday on 3 April 2026 is a bank holiday in Scotland, but Easter Monday is not, unlike in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

When is St Andrew's Day 2026?

St Andrew's Day falls on Monday 30 November 2026 and is a bank holiday in Scotland. Some employers treat it as a voluntary day off rather than an automatic closure.

Why is Scotland's summer bank holiday different?

Scotland takes its summer bank holiday on the first Monday in August, which is Monday 3 August 2026, while England, Wales and Northern Ireland take the last Monday, 31 August 2026.

What are local holidays in Scotland?

Many Scottish councils and towns set their own local or trades holidays in addition to bank holidays. These vary by area and are not observed nationally, so check with your council and employer.