Renfrewshire schools and nurseries could close on World Cup bank holiday

Renfrewshire Council schools and nurseries will close for a day next month in celebration of Scotland competing at the World Cup – if the move is rubber-stamped this week.

The local authority has already designated Monday, June 15, as an additional public holiday in a move councillors hope will benefit employee morale, community spirit and the hospitality sector.

The proposal landed the unanimous support of elected members at the finance, resources and customer services policy board last month.

However, separate approval is needed for educational establishments, and this will be requested at Thursday’s education and children’s services policy board.

A report to the meeting explained: “A request was submitted to the Scottish Government for a conditional exceptional school closure on June 15 to align with the proposed bank holiday.

“The Scottish Government has approved the request, subject to conditions, ensuring members retain the option to designate the day as an additional school closure.

“If members approve this additional public holiday, this will be communicated across educational establishments and communities through usual channels.”

It follows the Scottish Government announcement earlier this year that the date in question, which comes a day after Scotland’s opening match against Haiti, had officially been confirmed as a national bank holiday.

Setting out why the SNP administration had opted to mark the occasion at last month’s meeting, finance convener John Shaw said: “To me, this is more than just a date in the diary, it’s about recognising a rare national occasion that will mean a great deal to many of our staff.

“Scotland reaching the World Cup is something that brings excitement, pride and a real sense of togetherness, and, given I was in my 20s the last time it happened, it’s not a regular occurrence.

“By approving the additional public holiday, we show that we, as a council, are prepared to share in that moment and reflect the national significance of the occasion.”

Taking up the option is expected to spark an estimated additional cost of between £80,000 and £100,000 for essential service provision.

At the time, councillor Shaw, who represents Renfrew North and Braehead, added: “I appreciate there is a cost attached but it’s a one-off cost and in the context of our wider budget I believe it is proportionate for an event of this scale.

“We should also remember the wider benefits like staff morale, community spirit and the potential boost to local hospitality and leisure businesses.”

Steve Clarke’s side secured their spot at the tournament in November by netting twice in stoppage time, through Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean, to down Denmark 4-2 at Hampden Park and top their qualifying group.

The team have been drawn against Haiti (2am UK time on Sunday, June 14), Morocco (11pm on Friday, June 19) and Brazil (11pm on Wednesday, June 24) in the group stage of the competition.