1986 Bank of Scotland £1 Banknote – Sir Walter Scott Design | P#111 | Numista N#207534
This 1985 £1 banknote from the Bank of Scotland represents a key issue from Scotland’s decimal currency era. Printed in Edinburgh and issued by one of the UK’s oldest banks, this note features the portrait of Sir Walter Scott — Scotland’s most celebrated novelist — alongside the Bank’s historic arms, symbolising both literary heritage and financial tradition.
Part of the post-decimal series, this note circulated widely across Scotland during the 1970s and 1980s. It remains a popular acquisition for collectors of British and Commonwealth currency, especially those focused on regional Scottish issues and the transition to modern banknote design.
Key Specifications
Attribute Details
Issuer Bank of Scotland
Denomination One Pound (£1)
Year of Issue 1986
Pick Number P#111 (Standard Catalog of World Paper Money)
Numista Reference N#207534
Dimensions Approx. 133 × 66 mm
Material Paper, intaglio printed
Watermark Bank of Scotland arms
Design Series Decimal Issue Series
Design Overview
Obverse: Portrait of Sir Walter Scott at right; Bank of Scotland arms at centre.
Reverse: Central Bank arms flanked by allegorical figures — a ship emblem (Union Bank of Scotland) at left and a seated woman (British Linen Bank) at right.
Security Features: Watermark, serial number variation, and fine engraving detail.
Collector Appeal
Scottish Literary Heritage: Featuring Sir Walter Scott, a national icon whose works shaped Scotland’s cultural identity.
Decimal Currency Era: A representative piece from the early years after the UK’s 1971 decimalisation.
Regional Symbolism: Incorporates emblems of Scotland’s historic banks, reflecting continuity and tradition.
Catalogued Reference: Listed as P#111 and Numista N#207534, aiding identification and valuation.
Summary
This 1986 Bank of Scotland £1 note is a must-have for collectors of UK currency, Scottish banknotes, and decimal-era issues. Its elegant engraving, literary portrait, and historical significance make it a standout addition to any numismatic collection.
