South Ayrshire Council rules out World Cup bank holiday

South Ayrshire Council has ruled out a public holiday to mark Scotland's World Cup games this summer – saying the £105,000 cost could not be justified. The majority of councillors backed the decision, with only the Labour group supporting the chance to celebrate the event. Councillors voted by 21 votes to five to refuse a one-off holiday on Monday 15 June, despite it being approved nationally following a royal proclamation. Officers told the meeting that "difficult decisions" were required as South Ayrshire was facing an £8.5m funding gap. The additional holiday was announced by the Scottish government earlier this year to celebrate Scotland qualifying for the World Cup. Individual councils can decide whether to implement the holiday locally. Members heard that most local authorities across Scotland had opted not to proceed, with 18 councils rejecting the proposal and only three agreeing so far. An amendment was put forward calling for the council to adopt the holiday and grant staff either the day off on 15 June or a day in lieu. The bank holiday takes place the day after Scotland's first game at the tournament against Haiti. Labour councillor Philip Saxton said the holiday would