Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Adam Smith (1723–1790), the Kirkcaldy-born moral philosopher and founder of modern economics, is the only Scot to appear on a Bank of England note — the £20 polymer note (issued 2020).
Previous £20 (paper, 2007–2020): Adam Smith also — first Scot on any BoE denomination.
Three Scottish banks issue their own notes (legal currency, not legal tender anywhere — but widely accepted): Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale Bank. They feature many Scots: Robert Burns, Mary Slessor, Robert the Bruce, Sir Walter Scott, Lord Kelvin, Elsie Inglis, Nan Shepherd, etc. But these are Scottish banknotes, not Bank of England notes.
Smith's selection acknowledged Scotland's distinct intellectual contribution within the Union. The £20 note's design includes his Wealth of Nations pin factory illustration and "The division of labour is limited by the extent of the market" quote. A fitting tribute to the analyst of commercial society on the currency of its modern instantiation.