The first plastic banknotes to enter circulation in Great Britain will commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Forth Bridge.
Clydesdale Bank unveiled the first fully polymer £5 note on Thursday, which will be introduced in March next year.
The bank will issue two million of the limited production notes through their branches.
The design combines images of the bridge’s structure with the use of modern technology to create a striking and complex design.
It will also commemorate the Forth Bridge's inclusion in the Unesco's world heritage list in 2014.
They will be introduced in Scotland ahead of England, where the Bank of England plans to issue them for the first time in 2016.
Debbie Crosbie, executive director at Clydesdale Bank, said: “Clydesdale Bank is very proud to commemorate the Forth Bridge on our new £5 note. The structure is renowned across the world as an incredible feat of engineering so it was a fitting choice for a ground-breaking new banknote.
“We continue to lead the way in banknote development, and following the successful introduction of a new series of notes with ‘Depth™ Image’ holograms in 2009 we are now at the forefront in polymer currency.
"The Forth Bridge’s super structure certainly lends itself to the intricate processes of banknote printing, combining security, durability and an aesthetically striking design.”
The new £5 note, which is smaller than the existing currency, has been designed by De La Rue plc and in a first for Europe, has been manufactured on its innovative Safeguard™ polymer substrate.
Polymer notes are proven to be more durable than existing currency and while no decision has been made by the bank regarding the introduction of polymer notes generally, many banks are considering the introduction of polymer rather than using the traditional cotton based substrate.
The commemorative banknote also a portrait of Sir William Arrol, one of Scotland’s most celebrated engineers.
His company, Sir William Arrol and Co, constructed the Forth Bridge and was also responsible for a number of other famous structures including the giant cantilever Titan Crane in Clydebank, which also features on the new note.
Alistair Carmichael, secretary of state for Scotland, said: “As this new note becomes part of everyday life in villages, towns, cities and communities across the country, it will serve as a fitting tribute to the vision of Sir William Arrol and all the people who have contributed to the building, maintenance and restoration of the Bridge in its 124 year history.”
Fiona Hyslop, cabinet secretary for culture and external affairs, welcomed the launch of the banknote. She said: “Today we are celebrating two eras of Scotland’s innovation and foresight. The introduction of this innovative new banknote featuring the iconic Forth Bridge as a symbol of Scotland’s engineering heritage and ingenuity is very welcome.
“We are immensely proud of the Forth Bridge and its nomination for inclusion in Unesco’s World Heritage List. The launch of this banknote is such a fitting way to mark this nomination and Sir William Arrol’s work and I applaud the Clydesdale Bank for this gesture.”
