Aberdeen City Council has become the first local authority in Scotland to grant its staff an extra day off for the World Cup, and I do not think I have ever been prouder of a council decision in my life.
The bank holiday falls on Monday, June 15, which is the day Scotland play their opening match against Haiti. This is the men’s national team’s first World Cup appearance since 1998, which means an entire generation of Scottish football fans has grown up without ever watching their country on the biggest stage. That changes this summer, and Aberdeen is making sure its people can enjoy it properly.
First Minister John Swinney announced the bank holiday for Scottish Government staff, but councils across the country have to make their own decisions. Aberdeen councillors voted unanimously. Not a single objection. In a chamber where they argue about everything from parking charges to pot holes, they found instant agreement on the importance of watching Scotland play football.
The Cost of Joy
There is, naturally, a financial cost. The council will pay up to £30,000 in holiday pay for essential workers who cannot take the day off, because bins still need collected and emergencies still happen regardless of kick off times. Schools could close for the day. Council services will be reduced.
Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Council co leader Ian Yuill said: “I remember the buzz there was in Aberdeen the last time Scotland was in the World Cup. This special public holiday will help repeat, and hopefully exceed, that.”
I remember it too. France 98 was magical, even though we went out in the group stage as is tradition. The entire country stopped. Pubs were rammed. People who had never watched football in their lives were suddenly experts on the 4-4-2 formation. It was glorious, and it has been 28 years since we last felt it.
Not Everyone Is Convinced
Labour councillor Deena Tissera raised a fair question: will future sporting achievements across all genders and disciplines receive the same treatment? Officers assured her that each case would be considered individually, which is a diplomatic way of saying “let’s cross that bridge when we come to it.”
She has a point, but I think she also slightly misses the bigger one. This is not really about football. It is about a country that has waited nearly three decades for something to celebrate together, and a city council that recognises the value of collective joy. We do not get many of these moments. When they arrive, you make space for them.
Other councils across Scotland will now face pressure to follow Aberdeen’s lead. Some will. Some will not. The Western Isles have already shown it a red card. But Aberdeen got there first, and for that, they deserve credit.
Come on Scotland. Come on Aberdeen. June 15 is going to be special.
