Full list of Scottish Councils that will observe a holiday on Easter Monday in 2025

Easter Monday isn’t a nationwide bank holiday in Scotland, but some councils do observe it.

Here is a list of all Scottish councils which recognise Easter Monday as a holiday(Image: Getty Images)

While many across Scotland will be enjoying a well-earned long weekend this Easter, others might find themselves back at work or school sooner than expected.

Good Friday, which was on April 18 this year, is a recognised bank holiday across the country. But Easter Monday, which lands on April 21 in 2025, isn’t observed as a national holiday in Scotland.

Unlike in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, where Easter Monday is a standard part of the Easter break, Scottish councils have the power to decide whether to recognise the day as a public holiday.

That means it’s up to individual local authorities to set their own calendar, often based on local tradition or custom. For example, Shetland Council observes Up Helly Aa Wednesday as a public holiday to honour its famous Viking fire festival.

Some of Scotland’s biggest councils, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, have chosen to make Easter Monday a public holiday, meaning many council-run services and schools in those areas will be closed.

However, this varies from region to region, and not everyone will be getting the extra day off.

Here’s a full breakdown of which local authorities in Scotland are observing Easter Monday as a public holiday – and whether schools will be shut on April 21.

All Scottish councils which recognise Easter Monday as a holiday

Aberdeen City Council
Argyll and Bute Council
Clackmannanshire Council
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Dumfries and Galloway Council
East Ayrshire Council
East Dunbartonshire Council
East Lothian Council
East Renfrewshire Council
Edinburgh Council
Falkirk Council
Glasgow City Council
Highland Council
Inverclyde Council
North Ayrshire Council
North Lanarkshire Council
Orkney Islands Council
Perth and Kinross Council
Renfrewshire Council
Shetland Islands Council
South Ayrshire Council
South Lanarkshire Council
Stirling Council
West Dunbartonshire Council
West Lothian Council

With the exception of Aberdeen City Council, schools across Scotland will also be closed on Easter Monday, April 21, though it’s always best to double-check with your child’s school directly, as closures can vary.

Interestingly, even in areas where local councils don’t officially observe Easter Monday as a public holiday, some towns still uphold the tradition. These include Newmachar, Westhill and Portlethen in Aberdeenshire; Kirriemuir in Angus; and Forres in Moray – where many businesses and services may still shut for the day.

Apart from Aberdeen City, most Scottish schools will be closed on Easter Monday(Image: Getty Images)

Regions which don’t recognise Easter Monday as a holiday

Aberdeenshire Council (with the exception of Newmachar, Westhill and Portlethen)
Angus Council (Except Kirriemuir)
Dundee City Council
Fife Council
Midlothian Council
Moray Council (Except Forres)
Scottish Borders Council

While Easter Monday isn’t officially marked as a public holiday in every part of Scotland, schools in both the Angus and Midlothian council areas will still be closed on Monday, April 21.

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Will schools have a day off on Monday?

If you’re unsure whether your child’s school will be closed on Easter Monday, it’s always best to check directly with the school.

That said, most council-run schools across Scotland are expected to be off on Monday, April 21. However, pupils in some council areas won’t get the day off, including those under the following local authorities:

Aberdeen City Council
Aberdeenshire Council
Dundee City Council
Fife Council
Moray Council
Scottish Borders Council

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult your local council’s website or get in touch with your child’s school directly. Councils will also list any additional public holidays and in-service days that could affect term dates throughout the year.