Currency is so popular, even bookies take it

Scotland is one of four euro hotspots in Britain and up to £3million of the new currency is circulating in the country.

And Brits are so familiar with the euro they are even using it to have a flutter in the bookies but get any winnings in sterling.

Bookies who make frequent trips to Irish racecourses have had to to get used to the new currency.

And they are happy to take hundreds of thousands of the new notes and coins from tourists and business people arriving back from Europe.

A spokesman for Saltcoats-based Hamilton bookmakers said: "We have taken a good few bets in euros and it's a good way for people to spend left over holiday money."

Experts believe as many as five million euros – worth around 60p each – could be circulating in Scotland.

A recent survey revealed that 20 per cent of all businesses in Edinburgh's Royal Mile now accept euros.

Department store Harvey Nichols, which opened in Edinburgh last month, is also euro-friendly.

Marks & Spencer, Liberty, Argos, Dixons, HMV, Topshop, Burger King and Next trade in the notes too.

The Royal Bank's research arm said there had been a massive euro intake during the Edinburgh Festival.

The south-west of Scotland, with its close links to Ireland, and Fife, through its ferry port, are expecting increasing trade in euros in the future.

A spokesman for Scotland in Europe said: "Anti-Euro campaigners may think they can keep Scotland out of the euro but they can't keep the euro out of Scotland."

Economist Richard Chalk of the Royal Bank of Scotland's European Monetary Union unit said: "We are seeing an increase in use of euros in Britain and it is set to continue.

"As people return from holidays they are more likely to bring euros back home."

"People are more inclined to retain them because there are so many countries where they can be used."

Original Source