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Scottish Tech Store CeX Drops UK Pound for Bitcoin

CeX and bitcoin
Technology exchange and retailer CeX is making waves in the United Kingdom’s bitcoin ecosystem this week, launching a bitcoin-only payments initiative, as well as Scotland’s first bitcoin ATM.CeX has added a bitcoin payment option to its website, according to a 12th May post on the company’s blog. To commemorate the initiative, the retailer is undertaking a series of projects, which includes the ATM launch at its Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, location.The retailer is also instating a two day-long ‘pound-free zone’ at the Glasgow store from 13th to 15th May, when customers will only be able to transact in bitcoin when buying or selling goods at the store.A representative told CoinDesk that the project is, in spirit, connected to Scotland’s bid for financial and economic independence from the broader United Kingdom, saying:“The trial is turning the Scottish high street into a bitcoin laboratory, highlighting alternative forms of currency should Scotland vote ‘yes’ in the forthcoming referendum.”The CeX bitcoin launch represents some of the most significant news for bitcoin to come out of Scotland. However, there have been other bitcoin-related developments in the region that have introduced local residents to the digital currency.In January, local bistro Brooklyn Cafe, situated in Glasgow’s Shawlands district, announced that it would accept bitcoin as a form of payment. At the time, manager Jonny McDonald told CoinDesk that, while many customers had heard about it, few actually knew how bitcoin worked.This is a situation that may change: the CeX-hosted bitcoin ATM is Scotland’s first, and will surely act as a centre for bitcoin in the area, raising awareness and accessibility.Within the UK, CeX’s ATM is a new entrant into an fast-growing marketplace occupied by by familiar names like Robocoin and Lamassu.Image via CeXBitcoin ATMsCeXpaymentsretailersScotlandUK
Original author: Stan Higgins