PLEASE NOTE:

THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED ON NOVEMBER 17, AND THIS OFFER HAS NOW ENDED

THE National is always interested in projects trying to make the world a better place.

Scotcoin is Scotland’s very own cryptocurrency – like Bitcoin and Ethereum – and as such is part of a global market now valued at around $2.3 trillion.

Ahead of its public listing early next year, subscribers and new subscribers of The National are being offered the opportunity to get their digital Scotwallet to which 1000 Scotcoin will be added.

Scotcoin is linked to The Scotcoin Project CIC (Community Interest Company), and has already worked with groups such as Social Bite and Emmaus and with fellow CICs such as the Scottish Design Exchange.

The vision behind Scotcoin is “to help facilitate a better Scotland using digital currency as the fuel to help deliver lasting change”. It is a member of both Fintech Scotland and CryptoUK.

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be exploring how Scotcoin plans to do that.

In the meantime, all of our subscribers will be able to claim their 1000 Scotcoin.

Existing digital subscribers will receive an email with details of how to do that and anyone who subscribes between now and 11.59pm on November 17 will also be eligible and receive a similar email.

Anyone having issues or with questions should get in touch with stewart.ward@thenational.scot by email.

Uptake so far has been high – so please allow for extra time for the Scotcoin to come through after you go through that process. You'll be advised when it's been sent.

The National: Temple Melville, director of the Scotcoin ProjectTemple Melville, director of the Scotcoin Project

Temple Melville, director of the Scotcoin Project, said: “Scotcoin is an ethical digital currency, fully focused on supporting good causes that address social and environmental challenges; it directly helps the ‘citizen-in-need’ and demonstrates that innovations like ‘crypto’ currencies can be a force for good.

“This is a ground-up project, where everyone can make a difference. Scotcoin is a great Scottish brand, currency and force for good. A fair Scotland where no-one gets left behind – that’s our ambition!”

Scotcoin was previously used to purchase clothes destined for incineration that were then delivered to homeless charity Emmaus.

That act meant incineration – with its environmental impact – didn’t happen and people who were in need of clothing got some, through using Scotcoin as the means of exchange.

National editor Callum Baird said: “We’re always curious to hear about how a diverse range of groups in Scotland are striving to make a better nation.

“Scotland is a leader in tech and forward-thinking – and we know many of our readers are keen on our coverage of positive news about the nation, not just doom-and-gloom.

“Currency is another hot topic covered by our paper, and so we’re excited to dig into what Scotcoin is doing.”