By Sophie Jane Evans Britain's first plastic banknotes are set to enter circulation in March 2015 to mark the 125th anniversary of the Forth Bridge, it has been announced. Two million of the £5 notes will be released by Clydesdale Bank to coincide with the anniversary of the opening of the rail bridge in east Scotland in 1890. The polymer notes are claimed to be more durable than existing currency - and also apparently stay cleaner for longer, are more difficult to counterfeit and are at least 2.5 times longer-lasting. Commemoration: Britain's first plastic banknotes are set to enter circulation in March 2015 to mark the 125th anniversary of the Forth Bridge, it has been announced. Above, Scottish Secretary of State Alistair Carmichael, Cabinet Secretary for Culture Fiona Hyslop (centre), and Clydesdale Bank executive director Debbie Crosbie
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Clydesdale Bank is set to release two million of the £5 notes in March 2015
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Plastic notes are apparently longer-lasting and more difficult to counterfeit
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Will be introduced in Scotland first - and are likely to enter England in 2016
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Release marks the 125th anniversary of the Forth Bridge in east Scotland
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Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael says he is 'pleased' by bank's plans
'The introduction of this innovative new banknote featuring the iconic Forth Bridge as a symbol of @placeholder’s engineering heritage and ingenuity is very welcome.