Are a lot of places (restaurants and sites) closed down on bank holiday 1st Monday in May? Should I avoid it?

Question

We will be traveling for 10 days in Scotland and will most likely be in Edinburgh or near that area on the bank holiday. We will mostly be visiting castles and historical sites. We will also try to visit some pubs and local restaurants on this day. This will be our first time in Scotland, so we don't know what to expect.

Answer 1

As sunshine_mel said, for the most part you should be fine.
National chains with English HQ's don't tend to take the holiday, but smaller stores may. Public services will be shut, but the tourist style places will be open.
On point to note is that for some archaic reason a lot of restaurants in Eddinburgh close on a Monday anyway so check well in advance if there is a particular place you want to eat.
I've lived here for 6 years now and still can't understand why that happens in this day and age to a place so reliant on out of town visitors.

Answer 2

generally they'll be open - it's a holiday, when they're likely to have more customers etc

bank holidays generally concern things like banks, offices, but most high street shops, restaurants and tourists attractions stay open. if there's somewhere specific you want to see, contact them directly

Answer 3

definite its a monetary employer vacation , its to provide workers an more suitable day vacation , in case your on the dole or social its an afternoon to go for your acquaintances who're generally operating there guts out and getting taxed to the hilt ,