Highland Council workers won't get World Cup bank holiday

Council workers in the Highlands will not be given an extra day's holiday to mark Scotland's first game at the men's World Cup in 28 years.

First Minister John Swinney previously said Monday 15 June should be designated as a national bank holiday, and the proposal was later approved by the King but it is up to individual employers to make the decision.

Highland councillors had been asked not to grant the extra day off, with the cost of doing so estimated at about £150,000.

They have now agreed to reject the proposal after arguing the holiday could have a impact on essential services such as bin collections and schools.

It means Highland Council will operate as normal on 15 June.

Members approved a second option which will see leave requests granted on the basis there is a level of staffing which will maintain a safe service delivery.

Earlier this month Western Isles councillors also decided against giving staff a public holiday, arguing it could not afford the gesture when it was facing a budget deficit.

Isles councillors unanimously agreed the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar should not take the holiday because the authority could not afford to give workers an extra day off.

It estimated the extra public holiday could cost at least £120,000.