Summer Bank Holiday
1st Monday in August — Scotland only
Scotland's Summer Bank Holiday falls on the first Monday in August — a different date from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which observe it on the last Monday in August. This distinction dates back to the 1971 Banking and Financial Dealings Act, which moved the English and Welsh holiday to the last Monday in August while Scotland retained the original first Monday in August date from the 1871 Bank Holidays Act. This means Scotland's summer bank holiday comes several weeks before England's, giving Scottish workers an earlier end-of-summer long weekend.
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Actual Date | Observed |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday, 3 August 2026 |
Monday, 3 August 2026
1st Monday in August — Scotland only (different date from England, Wales and Northern Ireland) |
| 2027 | Monday, 2 August 2027 |
Monday, 2 August 2027
1st Monday in August — Scotland only (different date from England, Wales and Northern Ireland) |
| 2028 | Monday, 7 August 2028 |
Monday, 7 August 2028
1st Monday in August — Scotland only (different date from England, Wales and Northern Ireland) |
Legal Basis
When is it observed?
1st Monday in August — Scotland only