New £5 Note Enters Circulation

A new, more durable £5 note will enter circulation in Scotland today.

The banknotes are the first in Britain to be made entirely from polymer - a form of plastic - meaning they are less prone to tearing than paper ones.

Clydesdale Bank is issuing two million of the notes to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the opening of the Forth Bridge.

An image of the bridge features on the £5 along with a portrait of Scottish engineer Sir William Arrol (1839-1913), whose company was responsible for its construction.

Slightly smaller than the existing £5, it also comes with a new security feature in the form of a transparent window which changes colour as the note is moved and tilted.

Debbie Crosbie, acting chief executive of Clydesdale Bank, said: We take our responsibility as an issuer of banknotes seriously and are extremely proud to once again be leading the way in innovation.

Our new polymer notes are more durable and secure, which will deliver a positive impact for the public and businesses. We have achieved that while also creating a striking and beautiful design which celebrates an iconic Scottish landmark.''

More than 20 countries have already adopted polymer banknotes, with the Bank of England set to follow suit next year.

They stay cleaner than paper notes and last for an estimated 2.5 times longer.