Summer bank holiday (Scotland)

Scotland's summer bank holiday

In Scotland, the summer bank holiday falls on the first Monday in August, almost four weeks earlier than in the rest of the UK. England, Wales and Northern Ireland have theirs on the last Monday in August. The Scottish date is set out in the Banking and Financial Dealings Act.

As it always falls on a Monday, there's never a substitute day.

In 2027 it falls on Monday 2 August.

Why is it earlier in Scotland?

The difference goes back to when bank holidays were introduced in the nineteenth century: the first Monday in August was chosen for the whole UK. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland that date was later moved to the end of August, but Scotland kept the original date. It also fits the Scottish school year, which usually ends in late June and starts again in mid-August, so the bank holiday falls during the school summer holidays.

Is it a day off for everyone?

Banks close, but not every business does. In Scotland, local holidays traditionally play a big role, and many councils and employers set their own local holidays in addition to, or instead of, bank holidays. Whether you have the day off depends on your contract. August is also festival time in Edinburgh, so the capital is often at its busiest around this weekend.