And finally…RBS announces Facebook vote for Scots of note

The note is set to be issued in the second half of 2017 and the final decision on whose face will appear on it will be made following a public vote running on facebook from today until to Sunday (7 February).

More than 400 people got in touch to nominate an historical Scottish figure who they felt had made a significant contribution in the field of science and innovation.

Of the 128 different nominees, three have been shortlisted and one will be chosen by the public to appear on the Royal Bank of Scotland’s new £10 note.

A pioneer of electromagnetism, James Clerk Maxwell’s discovery of the unified theory of electricity and magnetism directly led to the application of electromagnetic radiation. Einstein considered Maxwell to be his hero and the greatest physicist since Newton whilst his findings were described as “the most significant event of the 19th century” by fellow physicist Richard Feynman.

At a time when women’s participation in science was strongly discouraged, Mary Somerville was a true pioneer and was jointly nominated to be the first female member of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1835. Somerville’s writing influenced James Clerk Maxwell and John Couch Adams with her discussion of a hypothetical planet perturbing Uranus leading Adams to look for and discover Neptune.

Known as the ‘Colossus of Roads’, Thomas Telford built over 1,000 miles of roads in his lifetime and became the first president of the Institution of Civil Engineers. In his native Scotland, Telford designed numerous infrastructure projects such as the Caledonian Canal and the Telford churches, as well as harbours and tunnels. Much of his work remains in use across the UK to this day.

Voting for the final decision opens at 09.00 on Monday 1 February and closes on Sunday 7 February. It will take place on the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Facebook page - www.facebook.com/royalbankofscotland - where images of each of the nominees will be posted along with biographies to help people make up their mind.

The portrait with the most ‘likes’ will be chosen to feature on the new £10 note.

Commenting on the nominees, chief marketing officer, David Wheldon, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to engage the public in this process. We received many high quality nominations.

“The strength of our shortlist is indicative of the significant contribution that Scotland has made to the field of science and innovation. I would be very proud for any of these nominees to appear on our new £10 note.

“Anyone who wants to have their say should visit our Facebook page and cast a vote. I look forward to finding out which of these great figures is chosen.”