We’re proud to be the first bank in Great Britain to introduce a fully polymer note into circulation. Our £5 and new £10 notes differ from regular paper notes in various ways. They’re smaller, stronger, cleaner and made of plastic for a start, resulting in a more safe and secure banknote overall. It may be a little bit different but we can assure you it still spends the same.
Polymer banknotes are an innovative alternative to paper notes. They’re produced from a thin, transparent plastic film rather than paper which means we add enhanced security feature such as clear portions or ‘windows in the design, while keeping their traditional look.
Secure
Polymer notes can incorporate advanced security features which make them more difficult to counterfeit
Clean
They stay cleaner than paper notes as they are resistant to dirt and moisture
Durable
Polymer notes last at least two and a half times longer than paper notes much make them more environmentally friendly
Following the spirit of great Scottish innovation we believe that being Great Britain’s first bank to produce a fully polymer banknote was a fitting tribute to that innovative spirit.
With that in mind our polymer £5 banknote celebrates the 125th anniversary of one of our great innovative Scottish achievements – Sir William Arrol’s Forth Bridge.
Sir William Arrol’s days of steam power and steel are long gone. However, his vision remains very much a part of Scotland’s daily life from the Forth Bridge itself to it’s inclusion on Great Britain’s first polymer banknote. If he were around today, we’re sure he’d approve.
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