Renfrewshire Council staff given World Cup bank holiday
PA MediaStaff at Renfrewshire Council will receive an extra public holiday on Monday 15 June to mark Scotland's men competing at the World Cup
Scotland's first game at the tournament is in the early hours of the previous day, against Haiti.
The proposal landed the unanimous support of councillors, who said they hope it would benefit employee morale, community spirit and the hospitality sector.
It is expected to bring an estimated additional cost of between £80,000 and £100,000 to the council.
The Scottish government announced earlier this year that the date had officially been confirmed as a national bank holiday, but the decision on whether to take it was down to local authorities.
Most of Scotland's 32 councils have not taken up the holiday, but Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, South Lanarkshire and North Ayrshire have all approved the day off.
Renfrewshire councillor John Shaw, the convener of the board, said it was about "recognising a rare national occasion that will mean a great deal to many of our staff".
He added: "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."
The decision will require approval from the education and children's services policy board over school and nursery closures.
Councillor Shaw, an SNP representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, said he appreciated there was a cost attached to taking the day, but it was a one-off expense and would being wider benefits, like revenue for local pubs and improving staff morale.
Councillor Jim Paterson, an SNP representative for Renfrew South and Gallowhill, said that although match times at the tournament - which is being held in the USA, Mexico and Canada - were awkward, there would still be a buzz locally.
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, Morocco and Brazil in the group stage of the competition.