Bank of Scotland unveils first plastic banknote

The Bank of Scotland has unveiled its first polymer note today. This is a special (very) limited edition of just 50 notes which will be put up for auction in December at Spink's. The proceeds will go to BBC Children in Need. The notes feature an image of the charity’s mascot Pudsey Bear, made by then 12-year old Kayla Robson. The first 40 notes will have serial numbers beginning with PUDSEY01 to PUDSEY40. The remaining 10 banknotes will be available for personalised serial numbers, such as initials and date of birth.

At the end of the year the design for the new circulating 5-pound note will be unveiled (which will be similar to the current paper note) while the issue date will be the second half of 2016. The new note will be 125 x 66 mm in size, slightly smaller than the current 135 x 70 mm 5-pound note. It won't be until 2017 when we see the new 10-pound printed on polymer.

The current paper 5- an 10-pound notes will be gradually withdrawn from circulation.