Monday February 23rd 2026
Photo by Igor Batista (Unsplash)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Tomorrow, Midlothian Council is to consider a holiday for staff following Scotland’s first World Cup match but arguments have been made that it is unaffordable, potentially costing almost half the council’s allocation of cost-of-living support.
Warning that the holiday may mean having to find an additional £130,000, the decision follows the Scottish Government declaring a national bank holiday on Monday June 15 to mark the first time the national men’s team has qualified for the global competition in 27 years.
Leader of the Midlothian Council, Councillor Kelly Parry, explained:
“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.”
Neighbouring East Lothian Council are being asked to reject the decision for a council holiday but Midlothian councillors are not being given any recommendation for a decision.
Despite the government declaring a national holiday, the decision over whether to pass it on the council employees sits with individual local authorities.
With Midlothian Council leader explaining that it isn’t in the right priority for the authority, the Council have started a plan to support participation in the county during the tournament.
Councillor Kelly Parry added:
“However, as a Council we have already kicked off a clear plan to support economic, social, sporting and educational participation. 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.”
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