Public holiday for World Cup 'would cost council £130,000'

Midlothian Council's leader has said giving workers a public holiday to mark Scotland's first appearance at a men's World Cup in 28 years is "not the right priority".

Councillor Kelly Parry estimated the public holiday would cost about £130,000, describing its budget position as "already stretched".

The Scottish government has declared a national bank holiday on 15 June, the Monday after Scotland's men face Haiti in Boston, but left the decision over whether to give workers a day off up to each individual council.

Councillors voted to refuse the public holiday at a meeting on Tuesday.

Council workers in Aberdeen will get the holiday, meaning they can watch the game against Haiti without worrying about lack of sleep - as the game takes place overnight due to the time difference.

But City of Edinburgh and Fife councils have said they will not observe the day off.

East Lothian Council has also voted against the holiday.

The local authority said it was considering "big screen events" around the games – which include one kick-off at 02:00 GMT.

The council were also due to decide on Tuesday whether to grant hospitality venues late licences to ensure fans can watch matches to completion.

But, recommending the holiday was rejected, Parry said the cost of a day off was prohibitive under current budget constraints.

She said: "A public holiday for the World Cup would cost Midlothian Council approximately £130,000 – that is almost half our yearly allocation of cost-of-living support to help our residents most in need of support – in household budget terms, almost another quarter percent increase in council tax.

"Within the confines of an already stretched budget position, I don't think it is the right priority for the council at this time."

Councillors agreed to explore creating a "lasting legacy" from the tournament.

The local authority said it would also consider school projects and community events to boost interest in sport and raise additional income.

Councillor Parry added: "We're working together with business, schools and communities to make the most of the opportunities when the games begin, with officials already on the front foot and working within existing budgets."

Additional reporting by local democracy reporter Marie Sharp.