Here is a wee tip, In the North we use Pounds. The same as the rest of the UK. However, our banks here have the ability to print their own notes. So you will see notes with 'Northern Bank' 'First Trust' and 'Ulster bank'. Although these are legal tender all over some people in Scotland and england will have no idea about them and may not trust them. Most places carry some 'English' notes as we call them ('Bank of England'). You can just ask for change in those notes. Or any bank will do it for you for larger amounts. Its a bit of a pain for work as I would travel to england every few months and have to sort out changing them etc. Hope this helps.