Highland Council workers will not receive an extra day off for Scotland's World Cup opener after councillors rejected the proposal. The council argued that granting the holiday could disrupt essential services like bin collections and schools. First Minister John Swinney had previously suggested making Monday 15 June a national bank holiday.

Highland councillors cited an estimated cost of £150,000 as a key factor in their decision. They approved an alternative plan allowing leave requests based on maintaining safe staffing levels. The council will operate normally on 15 June, ensuring public services continue without interruption.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar also declined the holiday, estimating it would cost at least £120,000. The authority said it could not afford to give workers an extra paid day off. This decision affects thousands of public sector employees across the Highlands, who will now work as usual during Scotland's historic World Cup return.