The first ever Scottish banknotes to be signed by a woman are going into circulation.

Debbie Crosbie, the chief operating officer of the Clydesdale Bank, said she was "proud" her signature would appear on the new run of £20 notes produced by the financial institution.

The run of 30 million notes will see Ms Crosbie's signature beside an image of Robert the Bruce, while the other side shows the country's New Lanark World Heritage site.

Ms Crosbie, who joined the Clydesdale Bank in 1997, said: " I'm proud to be the first woman to sign a Scottish banknote and it's particularly meaningful to be launching it at New Lanark, a Unesco World Heritage Site, which has been featured on Clydesdale Bank's £20 banknote since 2009.

"New Lanark played an important part of Scotland's industrial and social history. It serves as an enduring tribute to the men and women who created this world-leading industrial mill and its ground-breaking commitment to workers' welfare, education and skills."

She added: " Throughout history, women have also played an important role in banking and there's never been more opportunity than there is now for women to lead and drive the changing shape of banking and financial services.

"Clydesdale Bank has long recognised the important role of women in banking and our commitment to fairness and equality has helped provide strong growth opportunities for talented women right across our business.

"I feel personally honoured to be the first woman to sign a Scottish banknote and hope that it helps serve as recognition of the many ground-breaking achievements of women across banking and the wider Scottish economy."