Using Scottish money on your holiday

December 19, 2024

What is Scottish money?

Here in Scotland, we share the same currency as the rest of the UK. We use pounds (£) and pennies (p) just like in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. One pound in Scotland is worth exactly the same as one pound in those countries. The only difference is the shape and design of our banknotes. You can use English money in Scotland without any problems, and you don’t have to change it before you join us. Scottish money is produced by Scottish banks, and as such it can look very different to English notes, which are produced by English banks.

But it’s not as straightforward as it might seem! So before you join us at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness for a luxurious stay in the stunning Highland town of Fort Augustus, here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about using Scottish money!

Bank of Scotland twenty pound notes.

Where can I use Scottish money?

Scottish money is legal currency and is welcomed in shops and businesses throughout Scotland. If you are coming up from England, you might be surprised to see different looking banknotes being handed to you. Don’t worry! Our money looks different but it’s still worth the same. You can check the different banknote designs in circulation here. So whether you are keen to do some gift shopping in Fort Augustus or enjoy a nice pint by the canal, your money will be accepted. 

The only exception may be with a £50 bank note. Some shops may not accept these simply because they are worried they are forgeries. If you do have any ‘fifties’, you might find life a little easier if you ask a bank to swap it for lower denomination notes before heading to the shops.

After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, banknotes have started to use the face of King Charles III instead. Don’t worry, cash with the queen’s head on them are still accepted everywhere.

Can I use Scottish money in England?

Yes! Scottish money can also be used in the rest of the UK, but again some shops may choose to not accept them. This is within their right as they may be worried they are forgeries. Scottish notes are rare in England (especially the further south you go) and shopkeepers may not be familiar with them. Unfortunately the only solution if this happens to you is to pay using a different (English) note, or by card. 

Throughout the UK, shops are perfectly within their rights to decline cash as payment. In fact, some shops are turning away from cash to be ‘card only’, but this isn’t something to worry about here in the Highlands. 

Are there Scottish coins?

We don’t have any specific Scottish coins, so any you have can be found and used throughout the UK. Our coin denominations are:

  • 1p (a penny)
  • 2p
  • 5p
  • 10p
  • 20p
  • 50p
  • £1
  • £2

Fun fact: if you’re looking for a cool trick to show your friends back home, then keep an eye out for coins with a Royal Shield of Arms design on the back. Each coin from a penny to a fifty pence piece has a different image on the back, and when put together like a jigsaw they create a larger picture of a shield, like this:

Coins making a shield in the UK.

Where can I get Scottish money?

You can find Scottish money in banks throughout Scotland. The Scottish banks who print their own money are called:

  • Bank of Scotland
  • Royal Bank of Scotland
  • Clydesdale Bank

If you pop into a branch or use their cash machines (ATMs) you should get Scottish money.

It’s hard to get Scottish money outside of Scotland, so if you want to get your hands on some then the best way is to come for a holiday! Book your well-deserved break at Abbey Holidays to enjoy a luxury apartment in the glorious Scottish Highlands. 

Can I use credit cards / debit cards in Scotland?

Yes of course! Cards are accepted in shops and marketplaces all across Scotland. Even smaller businesses and coffee stalls tend to accept cards too. You can pay with a contactless card or chip & pin. 

Enjoy all of Scotland’s wonder at Abbey Holidays

Come and stay in a luxury apartment here at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness in Fort Augustus and you’ll soon become an expert in Scottish money! Enjoy a trip around local shops, or a visit to the nearest big city, Inverness. Check out our special offers, and book your stay today.