As we are approaching the end of the Summer, the daunting realisation that there aren’t any Bank Holidays due until later in the year is starting to hit. However, what if I told you it’s not all doom and gloom, as our next set of Bank Holidays will bring a three-day working week at the end of the year, followed by a four-day working week?
A lot of travellers have already booked some of their holidays for next year too, as 2027 is bringing a three-day working week as well, for the exact same reason. But the good news is we won’t have to wait that long, and can plan for 2026 without taking too much annual leave!
‘Substitute’ Bank holidays
The Government clarifies on their website: “If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a ‘substitute’ weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday.
“Your employer does not have to give you paid leave on bank or public holidays.
“Bank holidays might affect how and when your benefits are paid.”
So, as Christmas Day is on a Friday this year, Boxing Day naturally falls on a Saturday. As a result, the ‘substitute’ Bank Holiday will be moved to Monday, December 28. What is more, New Year’s Day is on Friday, January 1, making it a three-day working week. Plus, as January 2 falls on a Saturday, we will get Monday, January 4 off, too!
So, those looking to maximise their annual leave this year should book just three days between December 29 and 31 off, and receive a whopping 11 days!
2026 bank holidays in Scotland
Unfortunately, we now only have three more Bank Holidays to look forward to in 2026, but they will come with a three-day working week at the end!
November 30 – St Andrew’s Day
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 28 – Boxing Day (substitute day)
2027 Bank Holidays in Scotland
January 1: New Year’s Day
January 4: January 2nd (Substitute day)
March 26: Good Friday
May 3: Early May bank holiday
May 31: Spring bank holiday
August 2: Summer bank holiday
November 30: St Andrew’s Day
December 27: Christmas Day (Substitute day)
December 28: Boxing Day (Substitute day)
