Penny Scots facts for kids
The Penny Scots was a type of coin used in Scotland a long time ago. It was part of the Pound Scots, which was Scotland's money system until 1707. That's when Scotland and England joined together to form Great Britain.
The word "penny" was often used in Scotland to mean money in general. For example, "penny-fee" meant wages or pay. A "penny-maister" was like a town's treasurer, someone who looked after the town's money. A "penny-wedding" was a wedding where all the guests helped pay for the party. There was even a term "penny-wheep" for really bad beer!
My riches a’s my penny-fee,
And I maun guide it canny, O.
— Burns, My Nannie, O
How the Penny Got Its Name
The old Scottish Gaelic word for 'penny' was peighinn. Today, the modern Gaelic word is sgillinn. This word actually means 'shilling'. This change happened because of a big event in 1707.
When Scotland and England united, the value of their money was set. Twelve Pounds Scots were worth the same as one Pound Sterling (English money). This meant that one Scottish shilling was worth the same as one English penny. So, the name for the coin changed to reflect this new value.
See Also
- Scottish coinage
- Pennyland
- Bawbee
- Bodle
- Plack
