Angus Council rejects World Cup public holiday

Councillors in Angus have rejected an extra day off this summer to mark Scotland's first match at the men's 2026 World Cup.

First Minister John Swinney previously said Monday 15 June should be designated as a public holiday, and the proposal was later approved by the King.

Angus councillors voted 20 to 5 for a motion opposing additional leave or a public holiday on that date.

Perth and Kinross Council has also voted against the additional holiday however Dundee councillors formally approved the extra day off.

Councillors in Angus were presented with three options during a meeting on Thursday.

The first would have seen an additional day of annual leave granted to all employees, to be taken at the time of their choosing, with schools and early learning centres closing on 15 June.

The second option would have recognised 15 June as a public holiday, with schools, early learning centres and non-essential services closing for the day.

Councillors voted in favour of option three which would see existing arrangements remaining in place, with no additional public holiday.

The meeting was told that the first option would have resulted in an estimated lost productivity cost of £650,000, reflecting "gross salary costs only" but with no direct additional cost to the council.

The option to recognise the date as a public holiday would have cost the authority more than the almost £17,000 quoted in the paper due to "enhanced payments and wider operational expenses."

The meeting was told the third option, voted for by councillors, had "no direct financial implications."