Scottish Widows

Scottish Widows has been helping people prepare for the future since 1815. Today we remain as committed as ever to empowering our customers to make the most of their financial future.

Scottish Widows was set up in 1815 to take care of women and children who lost their fathers, brothers and husbands in the Napoleonic Wars, taking its name after the people it was founded to look after. Now more than 200 years on, they look after over 6 million customers across the UK. Today Scottish Widows’ commitment is still the same - to help people plan for their financial futures.

Scottish Widows’ product range includes life cover, critical illness, income protection, workplace and individual pensions, annuities as well as savings and investment products. Customers can access Scottish Widows’ products and services through Independent Financial Advisers, directly, and through all Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland and Halifax branches.

Scottish Widows history – key milestones

1812

In March 1812, a number of eminent Scotsmen gathered in the Royal Exchange Coffee Rooms in Edinburgh, to consider setting up ‘a general fund for securing provisions to widows, sisters and other females’.
1824

In 1824 a policy of assurance was issued to the novelist Sir Walter Scott for £3,000.
1912

Under the terms of its founding Act, the Bank had been granted a banking monopoly in Scotland for 21 years. After this expired, a new bank was founded by royal charter, in 1727 - the Royal Bank of Scotland. There followed a generation of intense rivalry as the two banks competed to drive the other out of business.
1962

In 1962, Sir Basil Spence, noted Edinburgh architect, is commissioned to design and build a new HQ at St Andrew’s Square, Edinburgh.
1986

In 1986 Scottish Widows launched the ‘living logo’. The first face of Scottish Widows was Deborah Moore (the daughter of Sir Roger Moore). Deborah featured in the ‘Looking Good for Your Money’ television advert, directed by David Bailey.

Scottish Widows history

Our brands

Lloyds Banking Group is best known for its portfolio of brands, including many household names. Together, they enable us to serve the diverse and evolving needs of our customers across the UK.