August Bank Holiday (Scotland) 2025 and in 2026 year

History of the August Bank Holiday in Scotland

Sir John Lubbock, in 1871, primarily considered the August Bank holiday in order to allow workers to enjoy summer break before Christmas. And this date was considered by him on purpose to coincide probably with a critical cricket match as well. So, it could be presumed that it was initially intended to allow bank employees to participate and attend cricket matches. Exactly one hundred years later, the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 moved this bank holiday to the last Monday in August for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This followed a trial period from 1965 to 1970 of the new date. In Scotland, it remained on the first Monday in August.

In continuation of the above, in the UK, exempting Scotland, it was tried in 1965, and the date was changed to last Monday in August, obviously with the exemption of Scotland. However, Scotland still partakes in the holiday alongside other regions on the last Mondays in August due to business reasons. The name “August Bank Holiday” was formed in the same year. This holiday is not only peculiar to just Scotland, but it also cuts across the United Kingdom comprising England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. More so, it is unlike the religious holidays associated with Spring Bank holiday.

In Edinburgh, Scotland, during the holiday, there is room for “main events” and “Edinburgh Fringe.” It allows for creative engagements to enliven the holiday through the Art Festival –first introduced in 2004 - Festival in Charlotte Square and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Edinburgh Castle.