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Scotland Holidays 2026

Bank Holidays, Cultural Events, Observances

December 2025

15 Total Holidays
December 2025

January 2026

Select a month to view holidays

February 2026

January 2026 Calendar

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
New Year's Day
2
New Year Holiday (Scotland)
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Burns Night
26
27
28
29
30
31

Upcoming Holidays

New Year's Day
Thursday, Jan 01, 2026
New Year Holiday (Scotland)
Friday, Jan 02, 2026
Burns Night
Sunday, Jan 25, 2026
Valentine's Day
Saturday, Feb 14, 2026
Good Friday
Saturday, Apr 18, 2026

Holiday Statistics

Total Holidays: 15
Bank Holidays: 8
Cultural Events: 4

Holiday Planning Tips

Plan Ahead

  • Book accommodations early for bank holiday weekends
  • Check local events calendars for festivals
  • Consider school holidays when planning family trips
  • Monitor public transport schedules during holidays

Save Money

  • Book travel and hotels well in advance
  • Look for off-peak travel deals between holidays
  • Consider staycations during popular holiday periods
  • Use price comparison websites for best deals

Local Events

  • Check local council websites for events
  • Follow city tourism boards on social media
  • Subscribe to local event newsletters
  • Explore cultural festivals in your region

Bank Holidays 2026

New Year's Day

January 1, 2026

Good Friday

April 18, 2026

Easter Monday

April 21, 2026

Early May Bank Holiday

May 5, 2026

Spring Bank Holiday

May 26, 2026

Summer Bank Holiday

August 25, 2026

Christmas Day

December 25, 2026

Boxing Day

December 26, 2026

Banking Holiday Tips

Important Reminders

  • Banks are closed on all UK bank holidays
  • Online banking and ATMs remain available 24/7
  • Card payments work normally during bank holidays
  • Emergency banking helplines remain open

Plan Your Banking

  • Withdraw cash before the holiday weekend
  • Schedule payments to avoid delays
  • International transfers may be delayed
  • Check post office opening hours for banking services

About Scotland Holidays 2026

Scotland follows the UK bank holiday calendar with some unique regional holidays that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Our comprehensive guide covers all official bank holidays, cultural celebrations, and traditional observances for 2026.

Official Bank Holidays

  • • New Year's Day & New Year Holiday (Scotland)
  • • Good Friday & Easter Monday
  • • Early May Bank Holiday
  • • Spring Bank Holiday
  • • Summer Bank Holiday
  • • Christmas Day & Boxing Day

Cultural Celebrations

  • • Burns Night (January 25)
  • • St. Andrew's Day (November 30)
  • • Edinburgh Festival (August)
  • • Highland Games (Summer)
  • • Hogmanay (New Year's Eve)
  • • Celtic Festivals throughout the year

Scotland Holiday FAQs

What makes Scotland holidays unique?

Scotland has additional holidays like the New Year Holiday on January 2nd and celebrates unique cultural events like Burns Night and St. Andrew's Day with special significance.

When is Burns Night 2026?

Burns Night is celebrated on January 25, 2026, honoring Scotland's national poet Robert Burns with traditional haggis dinners, poetry, and Scottish music.

What is St. Andrew's Day?

St. Andrew's Day (November 30) is Scotland's national day, celebrating the patron saint of Scotland with cultural events, parades, and traditional festivities.

Are Scottish bank holidays the same as England?

Most bank holidays are the same across the UK, but Scotland has the additional New Year Holiday on January 2nd, and some dates may vary for local observances.

What is Hogmanay?

Hogmanay is Scotland's famous New Year's Eve celebration, featuring street parties, fireworks, and the tradition of "first-footing" into the new year.

When is Edinburgh Festival 2026?

The Edinburgh Festival typically runs throughout August, featuring multiple festivals including the famous Fringe, International Festival, and Military Tattoo.

Do shops close on Scottish holidays?

Most major retailers and tourist attractions remain open during cultural holidays like Burns Night, though banks and government offices close on official bank holidays.

How do I celebrate Scotland holidays as a tourist?

Join local celebrations, visit cultural sites, attend Highland Games, book Burns Night dinners, and experience traditional Scottish music and dance performances.

Why Choose Our Scotland Holiday Calendar?

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Scotland-Specific

Complete coverage of Scotland's unique holidays and cultural celebrations

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2026 Updated

Latest dates for all holidays, festivals, and bank holidays for 2026

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Cultural Events

Burns Night, Edinburgh Festival, Highland Games, and more

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Banking Info

Complete information about bank closures and business hours

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Mobile Friendly

Access holiday information on any device, anywhere

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Planning Tools

Comprehensive calendar view for better holiday planning

Related UK Holiday Calendars

Scotland Holiday Planning Tips

Before the Holiday

  • Book accommodation early, especially for Edinburgh Festival
  • Check transport schedules for reduced services
  • Stock up on essentials before bank holiday weekends
  • Book tickets for festivals and Highland Games early

During Your Visit

  • Experience traditional Scottish music and dancing
  • Try haggis and traditional Scottish cuisine
  • Visit historic castles and scenic Highlands
  • Shop for authentic Scottish souvenirs