Cheap hols on the horizon as Angus tattie holiday timing stays in place

A survey found more than 60% support for Angus autumn holidays remaining the first two weeks in October.

By Graham Brown

May 31 2024, 6:00am

Angus school holidays have been set until 2028. Image: DC Thomson/Shutterstock

Angus education councillors hope local parents can look forward to bargain breaks after sticking to tattie holiday tradition.

The timing of the area’s autumn fortnight came under the scrutiny of education councillors as they set school terms until 2028.

And there was no appetite to move them from the first two weeks in October.

More than a decade ago the idea of shifting the break to later in the month was rejected.

It would have brought Angus in line with neighbours such as Dundee

But at that time families said a big plus was being a week ahead of other councils in Scotland – and English schools – to avoid the massive hike in holiday costs.

A recent Angus survey brought some backing for the change to align with other councils.

But almost 65% who responded were in favour of the status quo.

‘Saving a fortune’

Provost Brian Boyd said he was one of those who originally fought for the Angus autumn break to stay in its traditional place on the calendar.

“I think of all these years ago where we started with the saga of saving the tattie holidays,” said the Carnoustie councillor.

“Angus families save an absolute fortune – whether they can afford a caravan holiday or can take their kids to Florida.

“They save a fortune by us being off a week earlier than the rest of Scotland.
“That’s what I highlighted 12 years ago.

“So I’m really pleased the consultation came back and that the tattie holidays are saved to the end of this administration.”

Montrose councillor Kenny Braes said: ” I had a business earlier today telling me how important it is the way the holidays in Montrose co-relate with the holidays in Aberdeenshire.

“They were saying it was really important to their particular business model, the footfall they get and how it all works.

“So it’s really quite important stuff.”

Councillors agreed the term dates for Angus schools until the end of session 2027/28.

Those are: