THOUSANDS of tourists who pay in order to use the title Lord, Lady, or Laird have compelled Scots authorities to declare the titles they use have no legal standing.
For a long time tourists who travel to Scotland have been purchasing tiny parcels of property located in the Highlands from businesses that give them a title as a reward.
It’s estimated that more than 100,000 people across the world have invested only 1 square foot of land to include their ‘lady’, ‘lord or ‘laird’ titles to their credit or debit cards.
The Court of the Lord Lyon – the office of heraldry for Scotland has come in to warn that anyone who is a dubious “lord” or “lady” who attempt to apply for an arms coat of arms will face rejection.
In light of the increased number of applications, officials of the heraldic order have had to remind those who want to be awarded an honorary title must be well-deserving and also have Scotland is their permanent residence. You might need to have at least the size of one square foot Scotland to be a true lady or lord
On its website on its website, the Court states: “The ownership of souvenir plots of land of a few square feet or thereby is insufficient to bring anyone within the jurisdiction of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.”
Elizabeth Roads, the Lyon clerk and the keeper of the records was keen to ensure that nobody who wasn’t qualified to petition for the grant of arms did not participate in the procedure.
She explained: “The point is that these plots are too small to be recorded in the land register and thus someone donating to the organisation concerned in return for ‘possession’ of a souvenir plot is not a legal owner of land in Scotland.”
The Court of the Lord Lyon repeated that the titles granted were not legal in any way.
A spokesperson for the company stated: “The term ‘laird’ is usually used to describe any estate owner in Scotland at times by the owner or, more frequently by the individuals who live and work within the premises.
“It can be described, rather than a title. It isn’t appropriate as a title for an owner of typical residential property, much less an owner who has a modest parcel of land that is a souvenir.
“It goes without saying that the term ‘laird’ is synonymous with that of ‘lord’ or ‘lady’.”
Amanda McLean, who lives in Buselton, Western Australia, believes that purchasing a small piece of Scottish land has made a difference to her life.
She added: “I use it when I’m checking into an hotel. It’s amazing how much cachet it brings. You are upgraded and received very well.
“I also have the name on my credit card and people call me Lady Amanda.”
A spokesperson of Highland Titles, a company that has sold thousands of plots, claimed that they had not misled their clients.
He added: “In Scotland anyone can subject to the requirements that are good-faith, name themselves however they wish including ‘laird “lord” or “lady.”.
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