SCHOOL pupils and teachers in Helensburgh, and across Argyll and Bute, are set to enjoy an extra day’s holiday in May for the coronation of King Charles III.

Councillors are recommended to approve an additional day’s holiday on Monday, May 8, two days after His Majesty is due to be crowned.

Neighbouring West Dunbartonshire Council has already approved a holiday on the same day, as have many other local authorities across Scotland.

However, a report has also stated that the council will not designate the bank holiday as a public holiday, so no public holiday enhancements for staff still required to work will apply.

The report will go before the council’s policy and resources committee at its meeting on Thursday, February 16.

Executive director Kirsty Flanagan said: “Granting another day’s leave will align with other organisations who will likely be on holiday. It will also allow staff and their families to participate in the planned long weekend of commemorative events.

“Note we are not designating this bank holiday a public holiday, so no public holiday enhancements for staff still required to work will apply. Employees required to work on this day will receive hours they work paid to them at plain time.

“The additional cost of paying employees to carry out essential work on a public holiday has been estimated at £23,000. This estimate is based on the average number of hours claimed the last time there was a public holiday calculated at plain time.

“Advice from COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) was provided to the authority regards the statutory requirement teaching days, which stated that they were content for local authorities to apply for an extension from the requirement to provide 190 days of schooling should the local authority decide to award an additional day to accommodate the additional holiday.

“It is proposed schools close and that the council awards an additional day’s annual leave for teachers and support staff on Monday, May 8 2023.

“Any change will require communication across customers, staff, pupils and their families to provide clarity on service delivery.”

No exams are scheduled by the Scottish Qualifications Authority to take place on the proposed holiday date.