The Bank of Scotland plc is a commercial and clearing bank. With a history dating to the 17th century, it is the second oldest surviving bank (the Bank of England having been established one year before) in what is now the United Kingdom, and is the only commercial institution created by the Parliament of Scotland to remain in existence. It was also the first bank in Europe to print its own banknotes.

The Bank of Scotland continues to print its own sterling banknotes under legal arrangements which allow some UK banks to issue currency. On 17 September 2007 The Governor and Company of the Bank of Scotland became Bank of Scotland plc, as part of the HBOS Group Reorganisation Act 2006. Since 19 January 2009, the Bank of Scotland has formed a key part of the Lloyds Banking Group, following the acquisition of HBOS by Lloyds TSB Group.

Further information about Bank of Scotland can be found at www.bankofscotland.co.uk