The Bank of Scotland has released a limited-run £20 note featuring a dynamic image of Scott McTominay’s 2021 overhead kick against Leeds United, a moment etched into Premier League folklore. The design, revealed this morning at the Royal Exchange in Edinburgh, is part of a new series honoring Scottish sporting achievements and will circulate alongside standard notes starting December 2.
McTominay, a Scotland international and Manchester United stalwart, scored the goal in a 3-2 victory at Elland Road, a match that saw him rise to national prominence. The banknote’s reverse side includes a stylized depiction of the kick, framed by the Union Jack and the Scottish Saltire, with microtext quoting the player’s post-match reaction: “That’s a day I’ll never forget.”
Key Details
- ✅ First Scottish footballer featured on a UK banknote
- ⚡ Limited to 10,000 notes with collectible serial numbers
- 💡 Available at Bank of Scotland branches from December 2
The unveiling ceremony was attended by McTominay, Bank of Scotland chief executive Paul Lowe, and Scottish Football Association president Rod Petrie. Lowe called the note “a celebration of Scottish talent and sporting legacy,” while McTominay described it as “a huge honor” and urged fans to “appreciate the artistry behind the design.”
💡 Pro Tip
Collectors should check serial numbers for the lowest digits—those ending in 0000 are expected to appreciate fastest in the secondary market.
Historically, the Bank of Scotland has featured Scottish landmarks and figures on its currency, but this is the first to spotlight a living athlete. Previous limited editions have honored figures like Robert Burns and Flora MacDonald, but none have depicted a single moment in sporting history with such immediacy. The note also includes advanced security features: a holographic strip, raised print, and a see-through window with a kaleidoscope effect.
| Security Feature | Standard £20 | McTominay £20 |
|---|---|---|
| Holographic Strip | Scottish landmarks | Football pitch texture |
| Raised Print | Queen’s portrait | McTominay’s silhouette |
| See-Through Window | Geometric pattern | Overhead kick silhouette |
The bank has confirmed that all proceeds from the limited edition’s premium—estimated at £5 per note—will go to the Scottish Football Foundation, supporting youth development programs. The launch coincides with a broader push by the bank to modernize its currency, including a digital purse pilot program tied to the new note’s design.
📋 By The Numbers
- £20 — Standard denomination, now with a collectible twist
- 10,000 — Total notes printed, with 2,000 reserved for online pre-orders
- 12 — Days until general circulation begins
- £5 — Estimated premium over face value for resale
Critics and collectors have already drawn parallels to Norway’s 2014 football-themed banknote, but the McTominay £20 stands out for its dynamic realism and cultural resonance in the UK. The Royal Mint has not issued a sporting-themed note since 1996’s rugby union commemorative, which featured a try-scoring sequence. Analysts predict the McTominay note could become one of the most sought-after collectibles of the decade, with early listings on eBay already exceeding £50.
- December 2 — Notes available at Bank of Scotland branches nationwide
- December 9 — Online pre-orders open for home delivery
- December 16 — General circulation begins, with standard £20 notes unchanged
