Find out when local businesses may be closed
Most shops and businesses are closed on public holidays in Scotland. In cities, like Edinburgh and Glasgow, a selection of shops will remain open but you’ll need to check locally.
Banks and government offices are always closed on public holidays.
If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the day off will be observed on a substitute weekday (usually the following Monday).
Here is the list of public holidays with set dates and guidance on those that change yearly:
| Celebrations | Dates |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January |
| Day after New Year’s | 2 January |
| Easter (Good Friday and Easter Monday) | March or April (depending on the year) |
| Early May Bank Holiday | First Monday of May |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Last Monday of May |
| August Bank Holiday | First Monday of August |
| St Andrew’s Day | 30 November |
| Christmas Day | 25 December |
| Second Day of Christmas | 26 December |
- Visit Scotland during the winter holidays on a Christmas or New Year tour of Scotland.
- Or explore the Scottish scenery on a summer tour.
Need more local advice? Get in touch with our Edinburgh-based travel experts to start planning your adventure.
