MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Scottish Clydesdale Bank released the United Kingdom's first polymer banknote on Monday, the BBC reported.
The launch of the fully polymer five pound sterling note coincides with the 125th anniversary of the opening of Scotland's landmark Forth Bridge.
The limited edition notes feature the image of the bridge and a portrait of Sir William Arrol, the head of the company that built it. Next year, the Bank of England plans to enter plastic banknotes into general circulation.
The plastic notes containing improved security features are available in Clydesdale Bank's branches beginning Monday.
The BBC reported that some two million banknotes worth a total of 10 million pounds sterling ($14.9 million) will eventually enter circulation.
Polymer banknotes have so far been adopted in 20 states around the globe, including Canada, Australia and Romania.
Polymer banknotes, compared to banknotes made of cotton paper, last longer, can be washed and are more difficult to counterfeit.
