Bank of Scotland £20 note facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Twenty pounds

(United Kingdom)
Value	£20 sterling
Width	139 mm
Height	73 mm
Security features	Raised print, metallic thread, watermark, microlettering, UV feature, iridescent band, see-through registration device
Paper type	Polymer
Years of printing	1695–present 2020–present (current design)
Obverse
Design	Walter Scott
Design date	2020
Reverse
Design	Forth Bridge
Design date	2020

The Bank of Scotland £20 note is a type of money used in the United Kingdom. It is one of five different notes made by the Bank of Scotland. The newest £20 note is made from a special plastic material called polymer. It was first made in 2020. On the front, you will see a picture of Walter Scott, a famous Scottish writer. On the back, there is a picture of the amazing Forth Bridge.

History of the £20 Note

Paper money first appeared in Scotland in 1695. This was when the Bank of Scotland was created. Early banknotes were very simple. They were printed in one colour and only on one side. Scottish banknotes are generally accepted across the United Kingdom. They are also fully backed, meaning they are as safe as notes from the Bank of England. The £20 note is currently the third largest value note issued by the Bank of Scotland.

Tercentenary Series Notes

In 1995, the Bank of Scotland released a new set of notes. This was to celebrate 300 years since the bank started. This series is called the Tercentenary series. Each note in this series has a picture of Walter Scott on the front. The £20 note has a square shape on the front. This helps people with poor eyesight tell it apart from other notes.

The back of the £20 note shows The Mound. This is where the bank's main office is located. Each note in this series also shows something important about Scotland. The £20 note highlights Scotland's achievements in research and education. There are three symbols on the right side of the back of the note. These symbols represent other banks that joined with the Bank of Scotland over time.

Bridges Series Notes

The Bridges series of banknotes came out in 2007. These notes replaced the older Tercentenary series. The new notes kept the same size and purple colour. Walter Scott also stayed on the front of the notes. The picture of The Mound moved to the front of the note. A new design showing the Forth Bridge appeared on the back. The writing on the notes was updated to look more modern. Also, large, raised numbers were added to help people who cannot see well.

Polymer Notes Introduced

On February 27, 2020, a brand new £20 note was released. This new note is made of a special plastic material called polymer. Polymer notes are more durable than paper notes. A special commemorative note was also made. This note celebrated the newest bridge over the Forth, called the Queensferry Crossing.

Designs of the £20 Note