Is today a bank holiday in Scotland? Why Scottish holiday moved to Tuesday 4 January and 2022 dates in full

For many people in the UK, Tuesday 4 January is the first work day of the new year.

But in Scotland many shops and offices remain closed, thanks to an extra bank holiday.

Normally 2 January is a bank holiday in Scotland, but New Year’s Eve celebrations fell on a weekend this year.

This meant Monday 3 January was the substitute bank holiday for New Year’s Day, and Tuesday 4 January becomes the substitute bank holiday for 2 January.

Scotland bank holidays 2022

• Monday 3 January (New Year’s Day substitute)
• Tuesday 4 January (2 January substitute)
• Friday 15 April (Good Friday)
• Monday 2 May (early May bank holiday)
• Thursday 2 June (spring bank holiday)
• Friday 3 June (Platinum Jubilee bank holiday)
• Monday 1 August (summer bank holiday)
• Wednesday 1 November (St Andrew’s Day)
• Monday 26 December (Boxing Day)
• Tuesday 27 December (Christmas Day substitute)

Scottish people get an extra day off at the start of the year due to the significance of Hogmanay celebrations.

Whereas in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, New Year’s festivities typically last just one night, in Scotland they tend to roll into the following day.

The origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but it may be derived from Norse and Gaelic observances of the winter solstice.

Historically, Hogmanay was a bigger celebration in Scotland than Christmas.

The Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 officially made 2 January a bank holiday in Scotland.

However, unlike the rest of the country, Scots do not get Easter Monday off.