Scottish Banknotes

In Scotland, it is not the central bank that issues currency: three commercial banks do. Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Clydesdale Bank each print their own pounds with distinct designs, and all three circulate at the same time.

How such a strange system works

It is a historical privilege that predates the centralization of issuance by the Bank of England. Each Scottish bank must back its banknotes with deposited British pounds, but the design is theirs. The result is that you can collect the same face value, from the same year, in three completely different versions.

What is printed on them

Walter Scott, Robert Burns, the Forth Bridge, Mary Slessor, castles, and Highland landscapes. The RBS has also issued commemorative notes dedicated to Scottish figures that sell out quickly.

A practical detail

Strictly speaking, Scottish pounds are not legal tender outside of Scotland, although they are accepted in practice. This does not affect their collectible value, but it explains why many tourists take them home as souvenirs.

What you will find here

Scottish pounds from all three issuers, with Pick references and their actual condition. Along with Northern Ireland, Jersey, and Gibraltar, they form the set of regional British pounds.

Shipping

Protected and tracked from Spain.

Discover more banknotes from the region in Banknotes of Europe.