Over £112,000 goes to chosen charity partner

New polymer notes have raised £112,590 for The Bank of Scotland’s charity of the year, Mental Health UK.

Cash was raised through the auction of valuable versions of its upcoming £20 note.

There were 92 notes with desirable serial numbers up for grabs at the auction run by SPINKS in London on 12 February.

Fifty commemorative notes were also available. These feature the Queensferry Crossing on the reverse, as well as the most sought after serial numbers with the AA pre-fix. These are the only 50 to be printed with the AA pre-fix on the commemorative design.

The front of the new £20 note features the portrait of Scottish novelist and poet, Sir Walter Scott, alongside the image of The Mound in Edinburgh. The red Forth Bridge remains on the reverse.

Brian Dow, chief executive of Mental Health UK, said: “At Mental Health UK we know there is a growing need for support for young people. That’s why, with funding from Bank of Scotland and the rest of Lloyds Banking Group, we created Bloom – the largest UK-wide programme for 14-18 year olds – which focuses on supporting young people’s mental health resilience.

“With this support we can expand the reach to over half a million young people, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to support their mental health now and in the future.”

Tara Foley, Managing Director, Bank of Scotland added: “Thank you to everyone who bought one of these very special £20 polymer bank notes.

“Not only do they now own a piece of history, they have also put money towards a cause which is very close to our hearts at Bank of Scotland.”