Highland pubs can stay open for Scotland's World Cup games

Bars and pubs across the Highlands have been granted extended hours for Scotland's games at the men's World Cup later this summer.

Members of Highland Council's licensing board approved a "general extension" to licensed venues across the region.

The proposal was put forward by Inverness Ness-side SNP councillor Jackie Hendry and agreed by all members.

Venues which have televised sport within their licence will be permitted to remain open for 30 minutes after the final whistle of all of Scotland's confirmed games - and any additional games, should they progress in the tournament.

More than 530 on-sales premises in the Highland Council area have televised sport included in their operating plans, according to a report to the board.

Questions were raised by Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh SNP councillor Chris Birt and Dingwall and Seaforth Independent councillor Sean Kennedy about the potential to extend hours for all games.

But licensing officer Shonnie Campbell said that, after speaking to venues, the feedback he had received was that there was "no appetite" for games that did not involve Scotland.

Although premises will not need to apply for an extension to show the Scotland games there will be a notification form to fill out to let police and the council know that they will be doing so.

Should a premises wish to show other World Cup games they will need to apply for an extension individually.

Don Lawson, who owns Inverness venues Johnny Foxes and Jimmy Badgers, said: "This is good news.

"I think it's fair, and I'm delighted with that."

The 2026 World Cup will take place in the US, Canada and Mexico, meaning some games finish outwith normal operating hours for local licensed venues.

This year is the first time Scotland's men's side has qualified for the tournament since 1998.

Story by local democracy reporter Olivia Andrews.