Clydesdale Bank £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, holographic feature, see-through registration device
Paper type	Polymer
Years of printing	1838–present 2020–present (current design)
Obverse
Design	Robert the Bruce
Design date	2020
Reverse
Design	St Kilda
Design date	2020

The Clydesdale Bank £20 note is a type of money, specifically a banknote, used in the United Kingdom. It is issued by the Clydesdale Bank, one of the banks in Scotland that can print its own notes. This £20 note is the third largest value banknote they produce. The newest version, made from a special plastic called polymer, came out in 2020. On the front, it shows a picture of the famous Scottish king, Robert the Bruce. The back features the beautiful islands of St Kilda.

History of the £20 Note

The Clydesdale Bank started making £20 notes way back in 1838. This was the same year the bank itself was founded! In the beginning, these banknotes were very simple. They were printed in just one color and only on one side.

Rules for Scottish Banknotes

For a long time, the rules for Scottish banks issuing money were set by the Banknote (Scotland) Act 1845. Later, a new law called the Banking Act 2009 took over. Even though Scottish banknotes are not technically "legal tender" everywhere in Scotland, they are still considered real money. People generally accept them throughout the United Kingdom. It's good to know that Scottish banknotes are fully supported. This means they are just as safe and valuable as notes from the Bank of England.

Special £20 Note Designs

Over the years, the Clydesdale Bank has released several different designs for its £20 note.

Famous Scots Series

In 1971, the "Famous Scots" series of the £20 note was introduced. This note featured Robert the Bruce, a very important Scottish king, on the front. The back of this note showed several images. These included a statue of Robert the Bruce, a special old container called the Monymusk reliquary, Stirling Castle, and a monument to William Wallace. In 2005, this note was updated with the bank's new logo.

Commemorative Notes

Sometimes, special notes are made to celebrate important events.

• In 1999, a special £20 note was made for Glasgow. This was to celebrate the city being named the UK City of Architecture and Design for that year. This note had a picture of the architect Alexander Thomson on the front. The back showed Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Lighthouse and a part of Holmwood House.
• Another special note came out in 2006. This one celebrated 700 years since Robert the Bruce became king. It had his coat of arms on the front and a special picture on the back to mark the anniversary.

World Heritage Series

The "World Heritage" series £20 note was released in 2009. This note also had a picture of Robert the Bruce on the front. On the back, it showed an image of New Lanark. New Lanark is a historic village that was built for factory workers.

The New Polymer £20 Note

On February 27, 2020, a brand new £20 note was released. This new note is made from polymer, a type of plastic. It was designed to replace the older paper notes.

Designs of the £20 Note

Images for kids

• 

  The front of the current polymer £20 note, featuring Robert the Bruce.

• 

  The back of the current polymer £20 note, showing the islands of St Kilda.