Highland Council could reject World Cup public holiday due to cost

Highland councillors are being asked to reject 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 national bank holiday, and the proposal was later approved by the King.

In a report, Highland Council's corporate resources committee has been told the estimated cost of approving the day of leave could run to £150,000.

Officials said approving the holiday could have a impact on essential services such as bin collections and schools.

Highland Council officials have recommended that the authority operates on 15 June as a normal working day.

Council officials said staff who wished to take the day off could apply for it as annual leave.

Scotland is due to take on Haiti at 02:00 on 14 June in Boston, before facing Morocco at the same venue five days later.

The team's final group match is against Brazil in Miami on 24 June, with kick off at 23:00.

Health boards have also been given the power to determine the extra bank holiday, with NHS Highland yet to decide its approach.