Archive cashes in on bank's collection

RECORDS from the Bank of Scotland dating back to 1695 have been selected for a collection of historically significant world documents.

The bank's register was one of only 20 collections selected this year from libraries, archives and museums across the UK to represent the country's heritage as part of the Unesco Memory of the World Programme.

The international project is aimed at protecting against "collective amnesia" by preserving documents and ensuring their dissemination.

The bank records are a major source for the economic and social history of Scotland from the late 17th century.

Seonaid McDonald, head of archives and museums (Scotland) at Lloyds, said: "It is fantastic that Unesco has recognised the iconic status of Bank of Scotland's records."