Scotland’s First Minister is facing criticism for what some are calling his “priciest pre-election incentive yet.” This comes as he announced a plan for a World Cup bank holiday, allowing football fans to recover from the festivities in bed.

John Swinney proposed that June 15 be a day off, enabling fans, businesses, and organizations to both celebrate and recuperate from Scotland’s first match against Haiti, set to take place in Boston.

This match on June 14 marks Scotland’s first appearance in a World Cup since their participation in France 98, nearly three decades ago.

The kickoff, however, is scheduled for 2 a.m. in the UK, posing a challenge for fans who would have to report to work with minimal rest.

In contrast, England, which has consistently qualified for every World Cup since 1998, has seen its group matches scheduled for 9 p.m. UK time, avoiding such early-morning dilemmas.

While opposition parties have not formally opposed Swinney’s proposal, they have accused him of leveraging the bank holiday as a generous gesture linked to the upcoming Holyrood elections in May.

The cost of the day off to the Scottish economy is likely to be in the hundreds of millions of pounds. 

Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay said: ‘It would be churlish to oppose this given the achievement of the Scotland men’s team in reaching the World Cup finals.

‘I’ll be glued in the wee small hours like everyone else to our first match but it appears John Swinney has given the green light for a two-day hangover in Scotland.

‘However, there is a serious point to be made about why the First Minister has decided to do this. Given we’re now in an election year, the cynic in me thinks this is his most expensive pre-election bribe to date.’

Scotland, who have a FIFA ranking of 36, qualified for their first football World Cup since 1998 in November with a 4-2 victory against Denmark that saw stoppage-time goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean sealing the win

First Minister John Swinney (pictured centre at the FIFA World Cup European Qualifying match at Hampden Park, Glasgow) has suggested the bank holiday take place on June 15 to allow fans, businesses and other organisations to celebrate their team’s opening match against Haiti in Boston

This year’s games will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with a 48 teams competing in a record 104 matches in 16 cities across North America from June 11 to July 19.

Scotland, who have a FIFA ranking of 36, qualified for their first football World Cup since 1998 in November with a 4-2 victory against Denmark that saw stoppage-time goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean sealing the win.

They are now set to play Haiti, Brazil and Morocco in the group stages. 

Mr Swinney said: ‘Scotland qualifying for the men’s World Cup was a remarkable achievement and a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark reminded us all what football means to the country.

‘This year, we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success.

‘Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections.

‘That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that – no matter the outcome of the match – we can all come together to share the occasion.’  

But politicians in England have criticised the SNP’s kind gesture, with shadow transport minister Greg Smith telling The Telegraph: ‘Everyone wants more bank holidays – but the harsh reality is bank holidays cost the economy billions. 

‘I am all for a debate on whether some bank holidays need to change, but more will just leave the county poorer.’  

A day can be appointed as a bank holiday in Scotland by Royal Proclamation, with the First Minister advising the Privy Council on proclamations for the country that are then designated by the King.

After the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 victory in the summer, Prime Minister Keir Starmer refused to create a bank holiday to mark their historic win.

A member of the public walks past street art of Scott McTominay scoring an overhead kick on Andrews Street in paisley after Scotland defeated Denmark in their World Cup qualifying match

In June 2022, a government impact assessment of an additional bank holiday to mark Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee found it cost the UK economy £2.4 billion due to a loss of output in most sectors of the economy caused by businesses being closed for an additional day, according to the House of Commons Library.

However, in December Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, announced pubs will be allowed to keep their doors open until 1am if a home nation reaches the quarter finals, under plans out for consultation. 

She proposed extending pub licensing hours in England and Wales if either team manages to progress that far.

Lord Offord, a former Conservative minister who is standing for Reform UK in the Scottish elections, said Mr Swinney’s plans for the first match showed ‘a lack of ambition’ for team Scotland. 

‘It should be given when we win the World Cup,’ he told The Telegraph: