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Daily Record
30-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Fascinating history of the Scottish banknote as English cash to get revamp
Scots are proud of our banknotes - and might even have a story of them being refused - so here is the run-down Scottish people are very protective of their money. The currency used in Scotland is the pound sterling (£), like the rest of the UK. However, what sets Scottish money apart is its series of banknotes issued by three Scottish banks. These are the Bank of Scotland, the Royal Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank. These notes are legal tender across Scotland and should be accepted in the rest of the UK - but we all have a story of our Scottish notes being refused. Just this week, the Bank of England announced it will be redesigning its banknotes, the first major redesign in 50 years. Example designs include a dolphin, the Sycamore Gap tree and the Angel of the North sculpture in Gateshead. But what is the history behind Scottish banknotes? The history of Scottish currency stretches back to the 12th century when silver coins known as "sterlings" were first introduced. By the Act of Union in 1707, Scotland had developed a robust and diverse currency system. However, the need for a more flexible and efficient monetary system led to the introduction and eventual dominance of paper banknotes in Scotland. Scottish banknotes began evolving in the 17th century. The Bank of Scotland, established in 1695, was the first to issue paper money in Scotland followed by the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1727 and the British Linen Bank in 1746. These early banknotes were handwritten and issued on a temporary basis, with denominations based on the Scottish pound. They were bound in books and required the user to cut them out with a knife or scissors. Notes of £5 and upwards were huge - measuring at least 9in x 5in - and the BBC reports that at times, £1 notes were torn into halves and quarters and were accepted as the equivalent of 10 shillings (50p) or 5 shillings (25p) in coin. The Acts of Union 1707, combining Scotland and England into Great Britain, introduced the pound sterling to Scotland, eventually leading to the withdrawal of the Scottish Dollar. However, the right to issue their own banknotes was granted to the three select Scottish banks, a privilege that has endured through World Wars. Curiously, some reports suggest the Bank of Scotland was the first bank in Europe to print its own banknotes. This is not true - Stockholms Banco issued the first real banknotes in Europe. The Bank of Scotland became the second successful bank in Europe (after the Bank of England a year earlier) to issue notes. And in 1774, Bank of Scotland became one of the first banks in Europe to issue a note in two colours. When it comes to the design of Scottish bank notes, the country's rich history and cultural heritage plays a huge part. Early on, Scottish banks hired some of Britain's most prestigious engravers to produce eye-catching notes. They included William Home Lizars, a bookseller, publisher and engraver of plates for books. Scottish banknotes' distinctive design elements include complex watermarks and holograms for enhanced security. Banknotes have featured the Saltire, the thistle, and iconic Scottish landscapes and landmarks. Famous Scots, such as poets like Robert Burns, scientists like James Watt, and historical figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots, have also graced the banknotes, celebrating Scotland's significant contribution to the world. Another titbit when it comes to Scotland being cash innovators is that the first commemorative note issued anywhere in the European Union was only back in 1992, by RBS to mark the European summit held in Edinburgh. The note featured an engraving of Holyrood Palace, where the summit was held, as well as a colour version of the EU flag. The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 saw the Clyde and Glasgow's Armadillo being featured on special edition banknotes and RBS issued a £5 note to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. Scotland's most recent entry into banknote history came in 2015, when the Clydesdale became the first bank in Great Britain to issue a polymer, or plastic, note. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. In 2025, Scottish banknotes must be protected, not only for their illustrious past, but for the country's future. The Mail found ATMs across the country now giving Bank of England tenners and twenties. Ex-Justice Secretary and Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill said "Scottish bank notes are a matter of pride for Scots and banks must provide reassurance they are not being phased out against the wishes of their customers."
Daily Mirror
30-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Major change to how UK banknotes look as Bank of England reveals design ideas
The Bank of England has been asking for ideas of what people would like to see on the next series of banknotes, in what would be the biggest redesign in 50 years The Bank of England has revealed some examples of new banknote designs it has received from the public. The central bank has been asking for ideas of what people would like to see on the next series of banknotes, in what would be the biggest redesign in 50 years. Some of the designs sent in include a dolphin, the Sycamore Gap tree, and the Angel of the North sculpture in Gateshead. The BBC reports that thousands of responses have been sent to the Bank of England. Victoria Cleland, chief cashier at the Bank of England, said there has been 'lots of interest and engagement from young people too'. She added: "The reaction shows how important banknotes are as way to celebrate the UK and how much we have to celebrate." The final decision on the new banknote designs will be made by Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey. The Bank of England previously identified six potential themes for its new banknotes, including: notable historical figures, architecture and landmarks, arts, culture and sport, noteworthy events in history, innovation, and nature. The public can also suggest other themes for the Bank of England to consider. Depending on which theme is selected, it may then seek further feedback from the public on the specific images that could be used to show the chosen theme. The next series of banknotes will still feature a portrait of King Charles, but no other living person will be represented. More than 4.7 billion Bank of England notes are in circulation, collectively worth around £86 billion. Currently, Winston Churchill features on the back of the £5 banknote, Jane Austen on the £10, JMW Turner on the £20 and Alan Turing on the £50. The Bank of England started introducing polymer banknotes in 2016 - before this, they were made of paper. Polymer banknotes feature enhanced security measures, such as see-through window and holograms, to make them harder to counterfeit. The first of the current 'G' series notes was the £5 issued in September 2016, followed by the £10 in September 2017, the £20 in February 2020 and the £50 note in June 2021. Ms Cleland previously said: 'Banknotes are more than just an important means of payment – they serve as a symbolic representation of our collective national identity and an opportunity to celebrate the UK. 'I am really keen to hear what themes the public would like to see represented on the next series of notes.' The consultation will close at 11.59pm on July 31.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What will the new banknotes look like?
The Bank of England has received thousands of responses to its appeal for ideas for the first major redesign of banknotes in 50 years. They included a high volume of ideas from young people despite trends showing they are less likely to use cash, instead preferring mobile payments. "We have had many thousands of responses and lots of interest and engagement from young people too," said Victoria Cleland the Bank's chief cashier. It released some examples of designs it has received, including a dolphin, the Sycamore Gap tree - also known as the Robin Hood tree and the Angel of the North sculpture in Gateshead. "The reaction shows how important banknotes are as way to celebrate the UK and how much we have to celebrate," Ms Cleland said. The Bank of England asked for public views on new themes for bank notes, such as nature, innovation, or key events in history. They were also asked to suggest other original themes by the end of July. "People have engaged strongly with our six suggested themes, and within these have suggested a wide range ideas, from engineering achievements to folklore and mythology to transport," Ms Cleland said. This public consultation relates to the Bank's next series, which will also continue to include an image of the monarch. The final decision on what exactly features on a banknote lies with the Bank's governor Andrew Bailey. Current design Notable historical figures, such as Sir Winston Churchill on the current fiver, have featured on banknotes since 1970 but could be on the way out. The monarch has appeared on Bank of England notes since 1960. Images of historical characters, starting with William Shakespeare, were first seen on the reverse side a decade later. Now, the Bank is proposing that designs on the next series of notes could move on to a new theme. While notable historical figures remain an option, other possible subject matters suggested by the Bank include: architecture and landmarks, such as famous buildings or castles arts, culture and sport, including food, film and novels noteworthy events in history, which could include events or movements innovation, such as technology or discoveries nature, celebrating plants, animals or natural landscapes such as rivers or coastal scenes Banknotes issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland already carry images of landmarks and animals such as otters. Euro banknotes feature architectural styles. More on this story Bank of England to redesign banknotes - and wants your help £6.6bn in old UK banknotes and coins not cashed in
BBC News
29-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Thousands send Bank of England their banknote redesign ideas
The Bank of England has received thousands of responses to its appeal for ideas for the first major redesign of banknotes in 50 included a high volume of ideas from young people despite trends showing they are less likely to use cash, instead preferring mobile payments."We have had many thousands of responses and lots of interest and engagement from young people too," said Victoria Cleland the Bank's chief released some examples of designs it has received, including a dolphin, the Sycamore Gap tree - also known as the Robin Hood tree and the Angel of the North sculpture in Gateshead. "The reaction shows how important banknotes are as way to celebrate the UK and how much we have to celebrate," Ms Cleland Bank of England asked for public views on new themes for bank notes, such as nature, innovation, or key events in were also asked to suggest other original themes by the end of July."People have engaged strongly with our six suggested themes, and within these have suggested a wide range ideas, from engineering achievements to folklore and mythology to transport," Ms Cleland said. This public consultation relates to the Bank's next series, which will also continue to include an image of the final decision on what exactly features on a banknote lies with the Bank's governor Andrew Bailey. Current design Notable historical figures, such as Sir Winston Churchill on the current fiver, have featured on banknotes since 1970 but could be on the way monarch has appeared on Bank of England notes since 1960. Images of historical characters, starting with William Shakespeare, were first seen on the reverse side a decade the Bank is proposing that designs on the next series of notes could move on to a new theme. While notable historical figures remain an option, other possible subject matters suggested by the Bank include:architecture and landmarks, such as famous buildings or castlesarts, culture and sport, including food, film and novelsnoteworthy events in history, which could include events or movementsinnovation, such as technology or discoveriesnature, celebrating plants, animals or natural landscapes such as rivers or coastal scenesBanknotes issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland already carry images of landmarks and animals such as otters. Euro banknotes feature architectural styles.
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Full list of 9 towns with the cheapest Wetherspoons in the UK – where pints cost 99p
IF you want a boozy night out on a budget you are likely to find yourself in a Wetherspoons. And a number of the beer for as little as 99p. Advertisement 11 Some of the pubs are also as beautiful as they are cheap Credit: JD Wetherspoon Here are nine of the towns where you will find a Wetherspoons pubs serving Worthington's beer for less than a quid. Dudley The Full Moon in Dudley opened as a Wetherspoons pub in 1996, transforming a previous pizza restaurant. It is one of the many pubs that have moon in the name, which originated from George Orwell, who named his fictional pub 'Moon Under Water'. But Dudley is also known for being the home of the Advertisement Read more on Wetherspoons There is also the free-to-visit Dudley Museum and Art Gallery right n next door, with And history buffs will love Dudley Castle, dating back to 1530 with limestone tunnels underneath to explore. Need somewhere cheap to stay? There is an affordable Travelodge hotel with rooms from £27. Wath-upon-Dearne The small town of Wath-upon-Dearne is found in South Yorkshire. Advertisement Most read in News Travel There is Wath Wood and Manvers Lake and nature park for outdoorsy tourists who want a scenic walk, or a number of adventure attractions such as indoor karting and the Magna Science Adventure Centre. But the cheap 99p pints are found at The Church House which opened as a Wetherspoons in 2000. One of the UK's prettiest Wetherspoons is in an up-and-coming seaside town 11 We've rounded up the nine towns in the UK where the Wetherspoons have 99p pints Built as Cross House in 1810, it was consecrated by the Archbishop of York before becoming a pub in the 1980s. Advertisement There is a cheap Holiday Inn in town, as well as a Batley Batley, a market town near Leeds, also has 99p beers at The Union Rooms. The Otherwise the town is known for its Victorian architecture as well as Basghaw Museum, set in a Victorian gothic mansion set in 36 acres of woodlands and parks. Advertisement It was once famous for Batley Varity Club which attracted everyone from 11 The Union Rooms in Batley is one of the more beautiful Wetherspoons in the UK Credit: JD Wetherspoon Leigh One of Leigh's most beautiful buildings is the The Thomas Burke Wetherspoons, which is built in a former cinema. Along with 99p beers, the historic building opened in 1908 as the Grand Theatre and Hippodrome, before turning into an Odeon in the 1950s. Advertisement Elsewhere in the town there is The Turnpike Gallery for art lovers, while nature fans can head to the Pennington Flash Nature Reserve to spot everything from deer to One of the cheapest hotels in town is the Holiday Inn, or opt for The Greyhound Hotel with £42 rooms. 11 Along with pints under a quid, many of the original features remain Credit: JD Wetherspoon Gateshead The town of Gateshead has more to it than cheap pints at the Wetherspoons Tilley Stone pub. Advertisement It is famous for being home to the iconic Angel of the North statue, the largest of its kind in the world and seen by more than 33million people a year. You aren't short of cheap hotel rooms either, with Premier Inns and 11 Gateshead has more to it than the Angel of the North, including Saltwell Park Credit: Alamy Advertisement 11 But don't forget to pop into The Tilley Stone Wetherspoons too Credit: JD Wetherspoon Driffield The Wetherspoons pub The Benjamin Fawcett is built in industrial print store, and even has an outdoor beer garden. And most people visiting the town explore the nearby Sledmere House, a Georgian house with deer park as well as Burton Agnes Hall, which was built in 1173. Nicknamed the Capital of the Wolds in Advertisement The town has few hotels , with Forty One having £105 rooms, or the fancier four-star Highfield House. 11 Driffield's The Benjamin Fawcett is built in an old printing factory Credit: JD Wetherspoon Bedlington While there are many Red Lion pubs in the UK, the Wetherspoons in Bedlington is another cheap pint location. And one of the best places for a walk after a beer is the Bedlington Country Park, with kids play areas, woodlands and horse trails. Advertisement Or opt for a day of golfing at the Bedlingtonshire 18 Hole Golf Course on the edge of Humford Woods. Due to being a small town, you won't find any chain hotels for the night, but there are a number of B&Bs. 11 The Red Lion is a great spot in the sunny weather for your 99p pint Credit: JD Wetherspoon Crook Despite being small in size, the market town of Crook near Advertisement There is the gastropub The Copper Mine as well as The Kings and The Surtees. But if you are on a budget, the If you need somewhere to stay you have just one option, which is the three-star The Crook Hotel, or stay just outside of town at the four-star Dowfold House. 11 The Horse Shoe In has an outdoors area as well Credit: JD Wetherspoon Advertisement Byker While it doesn't look like much from the outside, The High Main Wetherspoons has a great beer garden to take your 99p pint. And the district of Byker is mainly known for being the setting of the BBC TV series Not only that, but it is home to the modernist Byker Wall estate, now a Grade II listed building. There aren't any hotels in the district so you will have to stay in the centre of Advertisement 11 The High Main Wetherspoons is where you will find a cheap pint Credit: JD Wetherspoon 11 Byker Wall is one of the famous attractions in town Credit: Alamy
