Ulster Bank presents new vertical banknotes

The Ulster Bank has presented its new banknotes of 5 and 10 pound as reported by various sources like The Irish Times. The new notes will have a design feature unique to currency in Britain and Ireland: they will have a vertical orientation.

The five pound note features pictures of Strangford Lough and Brent Geese while the ten pound version shows Lough Erne, an Irish hare and Guelder-rose shrubs. The notes also feature culinary delights associated with the north, namely a king scallop and an Ulster Glade potato.

Another remarkable design feature is the little 'tab' on the top of the note. It took me a few takes before I realised it was part of the front of the note and not a partially-cut piece of an image of the back of the note.

There are people worrying that the notes won't be accepted outside Northern-Ireland but the Ulster Bank stressed all banknotes from the north are legal currency in the UK "and will be able to be used for cash transactions across the UK."

The new notes are expected to be issued into circulation early 2019.