Malcolm Buchanan, Royal Bank of Scotland’s Scotland Regional board chair, said:
“At Royal Bank of Scotland, we feel that a banknote’s value is more than just the figure printed across its front - it is our symbol which lives in people’s pockets and touches everyday lives. Flora Stevenson’s legacy touches so many aspects of Scottish life that we, as a nation, are justifiably proud; education, dedication and creating opportunities for all.”
“Choosing the design of the £50 note was an important decision for Royal Bank and that is why we wanted the public and our communities to help us decide how this note should look and feel and who should appear on its face. Flora’s impact on education, directly and indirectly, has led to opportunities for many generations. It feels right to celebrate her impact in this way.”
Sonja Brown, headteacher at Flora Stevenson School, said:
“It is great that Flora Stevenson has been selected to appear on the new Royal Bank of Scotland £50 note. Our school helps support nearly 700 pupils in Edinburgh and as an institution which carries her name, we are quite aware of the impact she has had on Scottish society and education. Her appearance on the note will make many others aware of her positive impact on Scottish society.
“To find the face of the founder of our school on the forthcoming note has been an inspiration for our pupils and some are already taking part in class project to learn more on her story. I’m sure they will all be excited when they return from the school holidays and see the note when it enters circulation.”
The Polymer £50 will follow the £5 Polymer note, which was launched in 2016 and features poet Nan Shepherd, the £10 Polymer which was launched in 2017 and includes the portrait of scientist Mary Somerville, and the £20 – the bank’s largest circulating note which features philanthropist Kate Cranston, which was launched in 2020.
Images show pupils from Flora Stevenson Primary School in Edinburgh with new note.
