King Charles has given the green light for a new one-off Bank Holiday to allow footie fans to stay up late and watch the World Cup this weekend. Monday, June 15, has now been officially designated as a national Bank Holiday – but the day off has only been approved for Scotland, after the nation booked its place in the tournament for the first time in almost 30 years.

The Tartan Army qualified for the World Cup after defeating Denmark 4-2 in November, marking their first campaign in the competition since 1998. But the scheduling of the tournament, which is being hosted in Canada, Mexico and the US, means that their first group stage game against Haiti at the Vistib Stadium takes place at 2am on Sunday June 14.

He said: “Scotland will be on the world stage this summer and I want as many people as possible to be able to celebrate that moment.

“Football means a great deal to many people in this country and it has been almost three decades since our men’s national team played at the World Cup finals tournament.

“We want to make the most of Scotland’s participation in this global sporting event by ensuring people have the opportunity to come together and celebrate – no matter the outcome of the match.

“I am very grateful to His Majesty King Charles for approving the proposal and I encourage employers around the country to work with staff to put in place suitable arrangements that will allow as many of them as possible to join in the celebrations.”

The King has formally approved the proposal, allowing Scotland fans to stay up late and cheer on their national team in the early hours, provided their employers buy into the new holiday.

King Charles has approved a new Bank Holiday (Image: Getty)

The Bank Holiday guarantees a day off for public sector employees under the Scottish Government, but it is up to individual employers and local authorities to decide whether to follow suit.

The majority of Scottish local authorities, 27 out of 32, have officially rejected or opted out of the Bank Holiday. Just Aberdeen City, Dundee City, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire have granted their staff the paid day off and agreed to shut local schools.

Scotland are in Group C, alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti. Their second clash is against Morocco at a more accessible time of 11pm on Friday June 19.

England fans have yet to be granted a Bank Holiday for any of their World Cup games. The latest kick-off time for the Three Lions is 10pm in the UK.

England’s first clash is against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17 at 9pm. They then face Ghana on Tuesday 23rd at the same time, and Panama at 10pm on June 27.

SOURCE: DAILY EXPRESS

https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/2215078/king-charles-new-bank-holiday-scotland