Bank of Scotland Bank Notes

The Bank of Scotland issued its new 'bridges' series of banknotes on 17 September 2007. The range of Scottish bridges portrayed on the new Bank of Scotland notes represent the pioneering enterprise and heritage of Scotland.

The colour and size of the new notes are consistent with previous designs. The text is in a modern
style, while the large raised denomination acts as an aid for the partially sighted.

A number of new security features have been introduced to combat counterfeiters. Sir Walter Scott is still featured on the front of the new notes, as well as a larger image of Bank of Scotland’s Head Office on The Mound, Edinburgh.

Further details of the new notes and enhanced security features are explained in our 'Know your Bank of Scotland Banknotes' leaflet, and a downloadable PDF copy is available below.

Alternatively, you can us on 0131 317 5793 (Lines are open 9:00am to 4:00pm Mon to Fri)

Know your Bank of Scotland Banknotes ( Download PDF)

Frequently asked questions

Q. Why are the banknotes changing?
We decided that after over a decade the time was right to take a fresh look at the design of our banknotes. We were keen to incorporate some of the latest security features to the notes. It would not have been easy to do that and hold on to the old designs. We also thought that the 1995 notes were beginning to look somewhat dated against newer currencies and note designs.

Q. Will the new banknotes look and feel different?
The new banknotes will have the same feel as the current banknotes, the paper should feel stiff and crisp not limp waxy or shiny. The design of the banknotes has changed. Sir Walter Scott continues to feature on the front of the banknote. Each denomination of banknote retains the existing size and colour although the colours are more vibrant on the new notes. The back of the banknote features Scottish Bridges as the theme.

Q. Why have bridges been chosen as the theme?
The range of Scottish bridges portrayed on the new Bank of Scotland banknotes represent the pioneering enterprise and heritage of Scotland.

Q. Will I still be able to use the old Bank of Scotland banknotes?
Yes. The old style banknotes will continue to be used along with the new banknotes.

Q. How long will the old banknotes be valid for?
The old notes will be removed from circulation as they become unfit for re-issue. Bank of Scotland will always accept and give value for any of their old series banknotes.

Q. What denomination of banknotes will be changing?
All denominations of Bank of Scotland banknotes will have a new design.

Q. What security features are included in the banknotes?
Details of the Security Feature on the new banknotes can be found in the 'Know your Bank of Scotland banknotes' leaflets which can be downloaded here, or picked up in branch.

Q. How can I tell if the banknote is genuine?
There are a number of security features described in the 'Know your Bank of Scotland Banknotes' leaflet. You should check a few of these to determine if the banknote is genuine – do not rely on just one, if you have any doubts compare both sides of the banknote to one that you know is genuine.

Q. What should I do if I think the banknote is counterfeit?
It is a criminal offence to hold or to pass a banknote which you know to be a counterfeit.

If you have a banknote that you believe to be counterfeit, and you are sure who gave you the banknote, you should take it to the police at once for investigation purposes. You will be given a receipt for the banknote which will be kept for investigation.

If you have no knowledge of who gave you the banknote you are required to take it to any branch of the Bank of Scotland, You will be given a receipt for the banknote which will be retained by the branch. You will only be reimbursed for the suspect banknote if it is found to be genuine.

Q. Are the new banknotes the same size?
Each denomination of the new banknotes retains the existing sizes from the old series.

Q. Will the banknotes have aids for the visually impaired?
The banknotes increase in size as the value of the note increases. The value of the banknote will be depicted by a large number on the front left of each banknote to aid the visually impaired to recognise the value.

Q. Has the Bank of Scotland considered producing a plastic banknote?
We feel that paper notes are as good as any other type of banknote. One of the ways of checking if a note is genuine or not is by the feel of the paper.

Q. Are the new banknotes legal tender?
Scottish Banknotes are legal currency – i.e. they are approved by the UK Parliament. However, Scottish banknotes are not legal tender, not even in Scotland. Interestingly, no notes from any bank - including the Bank of England – are legal tender in Scotland. Only the £1 and £2 coins are legal tender there. HM Treasury determine which notes are legal tender. For more information on legal tender visit http://www.scotbanks.org.uk/legal_position.php. The new banknotes will not be any different from the old notes in this respect.

Q. Will these banknotes be accepted elsewhere in the UK?
Scottish notes circulate and are accepted quite freely in Scotland and, for the most part, they are also readily accepted in England & Wales. The new banknotes will not be any different from the old notes in this respect.

Q. How long will it take for the new banknotes to get into circulation?
The new banknotes will be introduced into circulation from autumn 2007.

Q. Will the new banknotes be accepted in automated machines i.e. car parking, supermarket self serves?
We are liaising with the suppliers of cash accepting equipment to advice them in advance of the changes and it is expected that they will update their equipment to accept the new banknotes.

Q. Why do the new notes say Bank of Scotland plc on them?
From 17 September 2007 Bank of Scotland will operate under Bank of Scotland plc and the notes reflect this new status.

Q. What should I do if I have a damaged Bank of Scotland note?
Damaged notes can be taken into any branch of the Bank of Scotland where it may be exchanged or sent to our Cash Centre to be assessed. Customers will be asked to complete a mutilated note claim form.
The Bank reserves the right in all cases to defer or refuse payment, or to make payment under conditions, depending on the circumstances.

Q. Can I reproduce a banknote for legitimate reasons?
There are specific guidelines under which banknotes can be reproduced. Terms and Conditions are available on application by e-mailing cashoperations@bankofscotland.co.uk or by calling
0131 317 5793 (Lines are open 9:00am to 4:00pm Mon to Fri).