If you’re travelling around the UK, especially between England and Scotland, you might notice something confusing pretty quickly — the money looks different.
Even though it’s all pounds sterling, English and Scottish banknotes are not the same, and this can catch visitors (and even locals) off guard.
This guide explains the differences, what you can and can’t do with each type of note, and how to avoid awkward situations when paying.
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What are English and Scottish banknotes
In the UK, all currency is pounds sterling (GBP), but banknotes are issued by different banks.
In England, banknotes are issued by the Bank of England. These are the most widely recognised notes and are what most international visitors expect to see.
These two pictures are of the English ten pounds note. You’ll notice that the colour is the same as the Scottish notes below.
In Scotland, banknotes are issued by three different banks:
- Bank of Scotland
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Clydesdale Bank
This means there are multiple designs of Scottish notes in circulation, often featuring different colours, sizes and historical figures.
Scottish £10 bank notes:
Comparison of £10 notes from the three different banks offering Scottish notes:
Below is a photo of the front and back of the three different banks in Scotland’s £10 note.
Bank of Scotland
Royal Bank of Scotland
Clydesdale Bank
They are all worth exactly the same as English notes — £10 is £10, no matter where it comes from.
Are Scottish notes legal tender?
This is where things get confusing.
Scottish banknotes are not actually legal tender — even in Scotland.
But here’s the important bit: legal tender does not mean “must be accepted in shops.” It’s a technical legal term relating to paying debts.
In everyday life, shops can choose what payment they accept, whether that’s cash, card or specific types of notes.
Scottish notes are widely accepted across Scotland, but outside of Scotland, some businesses may refuse them simply because staff are unfamiliar with them.
Can you use Scottish notes in England?
Yes — but not always smoothly. In my personal experience, almost no stores, bars, restaurants and so on in England will actually accept Scottish banknotes.
Scottish notes are valid currency across the UK, but acceptance in England can be inconsistent.
You may find:
- Some shops accept them without issue
- Others hesitate or check with a manager
- Some refuse them altogether
This is more common in smaller shops, taxis or places where staff are unsure about recognising the notes.
Large retailers and supermarkets may be fine, but it’s not guaranteed.
Can you use English notes in Scotland
Yes, and generally without any issues.
English banknotes are widely accepted across Scotland and are often seen as the “default” currency.
You’re very unlikely to have problems using Bank of England notes anywhere in Scotland.
Why do Scottish notes look different?
Scotland has the right to issue its own banknotes through authorised banks, which is why the designs vary.
Modern Scottish notes are typically polymer (plastic) and often feature:
- Scottish historical figures
- Wildlife or landscapes
- Different colours and sizes compared to English notes
For visitors, this can make them look unfamiliar or even like foreign currency at first glance.
Common problems travellers face
This is where most of the stress happens — and it’s completely avoidable if you know what to expect.
Being refused in England:
Travellers returning from Scotland often try to spend Scottish notes in England and get caught out when shops won’t accept them.
Confusion at tills:
Staff may pause to check the note, especially if they don’t see Scottish currency often.
Vending machines and self-checkouts:
These often do not accept Scottish notes at all and will spit the notes back out.
Taxi or small business refusals:
Smaller businesses are more likely to refuse unfamiliar notes.
Tips for using banknotes across the UK
If you want to avoid hassle, a few simple habits make a big difference.
Spend Scottish notes in Scotland:
This is the easiest way to avoid problems — use your Scottish notes before travelling to England.
Use card where possible:
Card payments are widely accepted across the UK and remove the issue entirely. I use Wise because they offer accounts for multiple currencies and a digital card you can access within the app. If you want to explore it, you can use my Wise referral link: Wise referral
While I live and shop in the UK, I have other credit cards I rely on to earn the best travel rewards. My guide for credit cards for Brits walks you through the best ones for travel rewards.
*Wise was previously known as Transferwise.
Exchange at a bank if needed:
If you’re back in England with Scottish notes, most banks will exchange them for English ones.
Use larger shops or supermarkets:
These are more likely to accept Scottish notes than small independent businesses.
Avoid relying on cash machines:
ATMs in Scotland will often give you Scottish notes, which can be inconvenient if you’re heading straight back to England.
English and Scottish notes are equal in value, but not equal in how widely they’re accepted in practice.
If you plan ahead and use or exchange Scottish notes before leaving Scotland, you’ll avoid almost all of the common problems travellers face. And for more information about planning your trip to Scotland, my Scotland guide walks you through everything you need to know and the mistakes to avoid.
And if in doubt, tap your card and skip the confusion altogether.
Ready to explore more guides for Scotland? These should help:
