Scotland’s New £20 Note Design Has Squirrels That Change Color Under UV Light
The Royal Bank of Scotland has unveiled the country’s new £20 note, which features an image of red squirrels whose fur changes color under UV light.
The new note—designed in collaboration between design and branding studio O Street, design company Nile HQ and the illustrators from Stuco—is the third in Scotland’s ‘Fabric of Nature’ banknote series. The notes were designed to “celebrate the people, achievements and nature of Scotland.”
The £10 version from the series features otters with an excerpt from Norman MacCaig’s poem titiled Moorings, and the £5 note encompasses two mackerels swimming with an excerpt from Sorley MacLean’s poem The Choice.
The £20 note is made out of polymer material, and shows Scotland’s red squirrels on a tree branch. Under UV light, the squirrels’ fur and their tails illuminate in green and orange, reflecting the denomination color. An excerpt from Mark Alexander Boyd’s poem, Cupid and Venus, is also printed alongside the squirrels.
All three notes spotlight historic Scottish women, including author Nan Shepherd, who is printed on the £5 banknote; scientist Mary Mary Somerville on the £10 note; and Mackintosh collaborator Kate Cranston on the £20 version.
Director of O Street Neil Wallace said that creating the banknotes was “truly a designer’s dream job.” as they were going to be carried by millions of people.
So excited to see these out in the world! Truly pocket works of art. A great team effort showcasing some pure Scottish talent with @ostreetstudio, @stucodesign, @DeLaRuePlc and @TBeasties. (And design research and public engagement by us) https://t.co/2tqLUyMbUg pic.twitter.com/rehERPZ9yO
— Nile HQ (@NileHQ) March 10, 2020
Our paper £20s will still be legal currency but they’ll gradually be replaced by the new polymer versions. So we’d recommend exchanging your old paper notes for the new ones, which are cleaner, more secure and at least twice as durable. pic.twitter.com/UESmZC4PLz
— Royal Bank (@RBS_Help) March 3, 2020
Today is #InternationalWomensDay, celebrating women's achievements to help forge a more equal world.
— Royal Bank (@RBS_Help) March 8, 2020
We're proud to have three female pioneers on our banknotes.#IWD2020 #EachForEqual pic.twitter.com/FO8nBZtq4z
[via It’s Nice That, opening image via Royal Bank of Scotland]
