Who is the Scottish woman featured on the new RBS £50 note out today?

The new polymer note is now available at selected RBS branches

Author: Rob WallerPublished 18th Aug 2021

A new Royal Bank of Scotland £50 note made of polymer is going into circulation from today at a number of the bank's branches across the country, featuring images of Scottish education pioneer Flora Stevenson, and the protected Scottish Osprey on the reverse.

The makers, DeLaRue, claim the polymer notes will last at least two-and-a-half times longer than its paper predecessor.

Malcolm Buchanan, chairman of the bank's Scotland Board, said: "Royal Bank of Scotland has been issuing banknotes since 1727 and they play an important part in our 300-year history but we feel that the value is more than just the portrait and pictures printed on the notes.

"It is a commemoration that lives in people's pockets and offer the chance to celebrate and remember those who have helped shape our society and the communities that the bank serves.

Who was Flora Stevenson?

Flora Stevenson was born in Glasgow in 1839.

Her first educational project was an evening literacy class for 'messenger girls' in her own home.

Flora was one of the first two women to serve on a school board in Scotland following a change in the law in 1872

She was a strong supporter of good quality education for girls and disapproved of girls in Edinburgh schools spending five hours on needlework each week while the boys were having lessons.

In 1899 a new school at Comely Bank, Edinburgh was named after her, and it continues as the Flora Stevenson Primary School.

Malcolm Buchanan said: "Flora Stevenson's legacy touches many aspects of Scottish life that our nation can be proud of: education, commitment, dedication and creating opportunity".

Who are the other women on RBS banknotes?

Poet Nan Shepherd features on the £5 which was introduced in 2016.

She was followed by scientist Mary Somerville on the £10 in 2017 and philanthropist and entrepreneur Kate Cranston on the "20 last year.

Where can I get one?

The new £50 note will be available from today at these branches before being rolled out across the network over the next two weeks:

Union Street, Aberdeen

Sandgate, Ayr

High Street, Dundee

Princes Street, Edinburgh

St Andrew Square, Edinburgh

Gordon Street, Glasgow

Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow

Harbour Road, Inverness

Moncrieff Street, Paisley

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