2nd January
2 January each year — Scotland only
The 2nd January bank holiday is unique to Scotland, giving Scottish workers a two-day New Year break following Hogmanay celebrations. Hogmanay — Scotland's new year celebration — has deep cultural roots stretching back centuries, and is arguably more important in Scottish culture than Christmas (Scotland did not recognise Christmas as an official public holiday until 1958). Edinburgh's Hogmanay is one of the world's largest new year street festivals. The 2nd January holiday acknowledges the scale of the celebrations and the need for recovery time. When 2 January falls on a weekend, the substitute is observed on the following Monday or Tuesday.
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Actual Date | Observed |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, 2 January 2026 |
Friday, 2 January 2026
2 January — Scotland only, part of Hogmanay new year celebrations |
| 2027 | Saturday, 2 January 2027 |
Monday, 4 January 2027
Mondayised 2 January — Scotland only, part of Hogmanay new year celebrations |
| 2028 | Sunday, 2 January 2028 |
Tuesday, 4 January 2028
Mondayised 2 January — Scotland only, part of Hogmanay new year celebrations |
Legal Basis
When is it observed?
2 January each year — Scotland only