Public Holidays
Councils no longer have a statutory power to set dates for public holidays following the introduction of the Employment Act 1989 and the Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994. In order to maintain continuity and public awareness of a definitive set of public holiday dates throughout the area, over the years Perth and Kinross Council has continued to set recommended public holiday dates. There is no obligation on shopkeepers, employers or others to close their business on these days.
These dates are set following consultation with various organisations, including business associations, trades organisations, community councils tenants' associations etc. The majority of organisations who are consulted feel it is better to stagger holidays rather than fix them on the same day for each area. This allows residents and visitors a range of shopping and leisure facilities in towns which are not on holiday at the same time. Local holidays in towns have also been influenced by local history and traditions. Other variations are caused by large retailing multiples which do not always close on public holidays and tend to favour their Head Office's holidays arrangements, and of course, banks which observe national Bank Holidays.
