I'm glad I didn't ask about driving and parking because, as usual, the two "experts" have given out wildly differing "information."

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned that the main problem with some businesses not accepting Scottish pound notes in England is because they may not be familiar with them and wouldn't know if they are fake or not. More of a problem the further south you go (probably not so much of a problem in big cities like London).

We recently came across twenty of the old £5 notes that went out of circulation on 5th May 2017. We thought that wev bwould have to send these to the Bank of England for exchange, but in fact our local bank was happy to accept and exchange them.

So if anyone still has any of the old notes, it's worth bringing thm to the U.K.

I had zero problem in England with Scottish pound notes in May. Some did a double take and some just said as long as it wasn't the Ulster bucks.
The new 5 pound note is very different feeling. I was on the look out for the Beatrix Potter coins. If you get one save it. They are very collectible. Jane Austen on new British 10-pound note. I want one of those. Enjoy your trip. My freind is happy the sun is shining today in her garden. Tons of rain this week.

I had zero problem because I ensured that I'd have only English notes and got shot of the Scottish ones before we took the train south. Had a merchant in Scotland do the swap for us (probably at a Boots or similar). Especially the Clydesdale Bank notes, I could see how English merchants would be less than thrilled to get those. Much more random-seeming than [Royal] Bank of Scotland.

Flanner and Patrick are right -- it does cost extra -- but not because the exchange rate is any different. The bank adds fees.

Thanks billbarr, tipsygus and others. I expect credit cards are the way to go!

Ah when Scotland joins the Euro!

I expect credit cards are the way to go!>

Depends on if your c c charges 3% or so - if so ATM withdrawals from checking accounts (never cash advances) could be better. But not carrying a lot of cash around is a plus too.

<<I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned that the main problem with some businesses not accepting Scottish pound notes in England is because they may not be familiar with them and wouldn't know if they are fake or not. More of a problem the further south you go>>

That's the problem with them, I would say Newcastle and those places along Hadrian's wall are the cut-off point, but I am even doubtful about that. Years ago you would frequently get Scottish notes in your change in Newcastle due to the large number of Scottish visitors but those numbers have reduced dramatically. I was in Edinburgh last month and I made point of not getting any pounds out of the atm, as I didn't want any potential hassle of getting rid of them in Newcastle.

FYI: A lot of places especially pubs don't like 50 pound notes in case they are fake, a lot of places have uv devices but they are still very cautious about accepting them. If you have them you can exchange them at a bank