Bank holiday changed to mark VE Day

JUDITH TONNER

The date of next year’s early May bank holiday for Monklands schools has been switched in line with national commemorations of the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

It will move in 2020 from the usual date of the first Monday of the month to Friday, May 8 – the date of Victory in Europe day, marking the end of World War II on the continent in 1945.

The holiday had originally been scheduled for Monday, May 4, with an in- service for teachers on the following day; the latter has now been moved to Monday, May 11, at the end of pupils’ extended weekend.

North Lanarkshire Council sets its school term dates around two years in advance, but the schedule for May 2020 was recently changed following the UK government’s announcement last month regarding the VE Day anniversary.

Gerard McLaughlin, the local authority’s head of education and families, told the Advertiser: “The early May bank holiday for North Lanarkshire schools in 2020 will now be on Friday, May 8; with the in-service day previously scheduled for Tuesday the 5th now taking place on May 11.

“This is following nationwide guidance to mark the 75th anniversary of VE day.”

Next year will be only the second time that the early May bank holiday has been moved, with the first being in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day.

Commemorative events across the country will include bagpipers playing the traditional Battle’s O’er at the top of Ben Nevis and the highest peaks in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and church bells joining forces for a “ringing out for peace”.

Business secretary Greg Clark said of the date change: “VE Day marked a historic moment in not only our nation’s, but the world’s history and it is important that we commemorate this great occasion on its 75th anniversary.

“Moving next year’s early May bank holiday to VE Day itself is a right and fitting tribute, honouring those who did their duty – whether on the battlefields of Europe or through their efforts and sacrifices here at home.

“It will ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to remember and honour our heroes of the Second World War and reflect on the sacrifices of a generation.”