A laird is a person who owns property, often with significant land, in Scotland. The title implies nobility or upper class, but it is based on the amount of land owned. In the past, it was inherited and difficult to obtain, but now it is possible to claim unofficially through land conservation movements. The purchase includes a small parcel of land and a titled deed.
A laird is a person, male or female, who is the owner of property, usually with a significant amount of land, in Scotland. A family was usually passed down from generation to generation, from father to eldest son. While it was possible for women to become lairds in their own right, it was not common.
The title of “laird” implies that the person was a member of the nobility or upper class. However, they weren’t necessarily noble. Dukes, earls and similar titles were given by the king of a country. The status of “laird” was based on the amount of land owned by a family. The lairds would then lease that land to tenants to be used for farming and starting small businesses. They would also provide protection for their people if needed. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the title of “laird” was usually used for the head of a highland clan.
In historic times, there were very few ways to become a laird. Most lordships were inherited. Unlike duchies, they could only be transferred with land. If the land was encroached upon, the new owner would become the master of the estate. If the laird died childless, the land and title could be turned over to another noble on the estate, or to a neighboring lair.
In modern times, it is much easier to claim the title of laird, albeit unofficially. As part of a land conservation movement, some organizations are selling small parcels of land from old properties. These parcels of land, usually about a foot square, come with title deeds. This movement is helping preserve historic areas in Scotland from modernisation; however, it is important to note that the lairdships offered are unofficial and have been deemed meaningless by the court which oversees heraldry in Scotland.
While this title of lairdship is not the same as what it meant several hundred years ago, it is a unique gift idea. The purchase of the parcel of land and title is often accompanied by pictures of the parcel of land, a map showing where the land is located, and a titled deed stating that the parcel and laird title are yours .
In the past, it was incredibly unlikely that anyone outside the titled family would become a laird. To become a layman then, most people would have had to organize a large group of men and take over the estate. Now, however, all that is needed is an interest in helping to preserve old Scottish estates from modern development.
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