According to old Scots law and custom a landowner is granted the right to use the title ‘Laird’ and female landowners are styled as ‘Lady’. Some male Lairds choose instead to use the more well-known English translation ‘Lord’. Scottish lairds are members of the lower aristocracy and previously held feudal rights under the crown. In the table of precedence a laird ranks above an esquire and directly below a baron.

By purchasing a plot of land on the Blackwood Estate in Scotland you will acquire the right to style yourself Laird, Lord or Lady of Blackwood. At the same time you will contribute to the preservation of Loch Wood, one of Scotland’s few remaining native woodlands. What better way to start your new life as a member of the aristocracy than to embrace your own favourite charity?

As Laird, Lord or Lady of Blackwood you will also be granted the exclusive right to wear the Blackwood insignia and tartan which may not be used by others than the rightful owners of land in the Blackwood Estate. The insignia will look very impressive on your stationery and business cards and we also provide various aristocratic accessories with the Blackwood insignia in our webshop.

As a member of the elevated classes you may wish to take up certain Scottish lordly pursuits, such as wearing the kilt, fishing for salmon or even playing the bagpipe if the fancy takes you. And do not be surprised if your new title brings about some added perks, like plane upgrades and other preferential treatment. It has been known to happen. The Lairdship Portfolio will also make a perfect gift for that someone special.

Buy land on the Blackwood Estate and commence your new life of entitlement today!

After you have thus obtained the lawful right to the title you may use a Master Title Deed to change the title on your personal ID cards, bank accounts, utility bills, etc. Our Lairdship Portfolio, at a bargain price of only £29.99, contains both a Property Title Deed (certifying your ownership to a plot of land in the Blackwood Estate) and a Master Title Deed, thereby enabling you to successfully complete the entire process of title acquisition. In addition, the portfolio contains a Plot Locator Map with the official grid reference coordinates to your land and instructions on how to locate it as well as a stylish Certificate of Entitlement, beautiful photos and historical information about your land. See details here for the full contents of our Lairdship Portfolio.

The land you buy is a one square foot plot in Loch Wood on the Blackwood Estate and it has been mapped and established using the British national Ordnance Survey reference system used for land registry. Each plot has its own unique location and may easily be found by means of a GPS.

The legal documents have been drawn up by a Scottish property solicitor to ensure that your title is legally valid and secure, and a Master Title Deed is a well recognised means of changing personal title on identity documents in all common law countries.

You may also wish to know that the purchase of souvenir plots are exempt from registration in the Land Register of Scotland, which ensures that you will not have to pay taxes or any other expenses associated with this purchase – ever.

The British aristocracy consists of two entities, the peerage and the gentry. The peerage consists of five ranks in descending order of hierarchy: duke, marquess, earl, viscount and baron, and the members are titled.

The rest of the aristocracy is referred to as the gentry. Baronets, knights, lairds and lords-of-the-manor are all holders of hereditary titles, and while not peers they constitute the landed gentry, which is the lower British aristocracy.

The conveyance of titles in Scotland is fundamentally different from conveyance of titles in England. English titles are titles of peerage, belonging to the nobility and giving statutory privileges, for instance the right to hold certain offices like those in the House of Lords. Scottish titles, on the other hand, are feudal, traditionally implying a link to the ownership of land.

For this reason English titles of nobility cannot be purchased except the lord-of-the-manor title, whereas Scottish titles are transferable as long as they are sold together with the land. In addition to the title of laird it is also possible to purchase the feudal titles of baron and earl (although in an entirely different price range and not provided by Native Woods Preservation Ltd).

The title of laird is the Scottish equivalent to that of an English squire in the sense that it is a courtesy title and does not give the owner the right to sit in the House of Lords.

Many male lairds choose instead to use the English translation lord, since it is more well-known outside of Scotland. However, it should be noted that this is not the equivalent of an English lordship, which is a title of peerage.

The Lairdship of Blackwood is one of the most notable and well documented lairdships in Scotland. It has existed since medieval times, and in the 1500-1600s the seat of Blackwood was a feudal barony. The Lairds of Blackwood have made their mark on Scottish history and feature in Scottish lore, folk songs and noble tradition, and the Blackwood district has been their native soil for hundreds of years. Your property will be situated right at the centre of the Blackwood Estate in close proximity to the location of the original Blackwood House.

The Blackwood Estate was the head seat of the prominent Weir / Vere family from medieval times until the 1930s. Lord Thomas Macaulay, Victorian historian supreme, describes this family as ‘the longest and most illustrious line of nobles that England has seen’. The Veres were originally of French descent and have been linked to the Merovingian bloodline.

The history of the estate dates back to the Norman Conquest at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 when the De Vere family arrived in Britain from France. Ralph De Vere rebelled against Henry II and was taken prisoner alongside Richard the Lionheart in 1174. He subsequently formed an allegiance with King William I of Scotland and was awarded vast tracts of land in Lanarkshire. This land became known as Blackwood Estate, the largest estate in Lanarkshire.

In the 1600s the Laird of Blackwood Estate was a supporter of the Covenanters and in May 1685 Covenanter John Broun was shot close to Blackwood House. The martyr’s grave is located within the estate.

In 1733 Catherine Weir, heiress of Blackwood Estate, married the Honourable Charles Hope and the family name was changed to Hope Vere. In 1810 the family employed John Begg as land steward and he lived on the estate with his wife Isabella, younger sister of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns. The Bard is said to have been a regular visitor at the estate.

The heir apparent of a lairdship is entitled to use the courtesy title ‘The Younger’ (abbreviation Yr) at the end of their name and the eldest daughter if heir apparent is entitled to use the courtesy title ‘Maid of [Lairdship]‘ at the end of her name. Neither are titles of nobility or peerage.

The younger children of a laird are styled as ‘Mr John Smith’ if male and ‘Miss Jane Smith of [Lairdship]‘ if female. A definite article is not used, and the ‘of’ must be retained to distinguish from titles of peerage.

Formally, a laird may be styled as ‘The Much Honoured John Smith of [Lairdship]‘ or ‘The Much Honoured The Laird of [Lairdship]‘ or ‘The Much Honoured John Smith, Laird of [Lairdship]‘.

The wife of a laird or a woman holding a lairdship in her own right may be formally styled as ‘The Much Honoured Jane Smith of [Lairdship]‘ or ‘The Much Honoured The Lady [Lairdship]‘ or ‘The Much Honoured Jane Smith, Lady [Lairdship]‘.

In Scotland it is common to write to lairds by their designation or estate, and not by their surname. Neither ‘Mr’ nor ‘Esq’ are added to the name on the envelope.

According to old Scots law and custom a landowner is granted the right to use the title ‘Laird’ and female landowners are styled as ‘Lady’. Some male Lairds choose instead to use the more well-known English translation ‘Lord’. Scottish Lairds are members of the lower aristocracy and historically held feudal rights under the crown. In the table of precedence a Laird ranks above an Esquire and directly below a Baron.

By purchasing a plot of land on the Blackwood Estate in Scotland you will acquire the right to style yourself Laird, Lord or Lady of Blackwood. At the same time you will contribute to the preservation of Loch Wood, one of Scotland’s few remaining native woodlands. What better way to start your new life as a member of the aristocracy than to embrace your own favourite charity?

As Laird, Lord or Lady of Blackwood you will also be granted the exclusive right to wear the Blackwood coat-of-arms and tartan, that may not be used by others than the rightful owners of land on the Blackwood Estate. The coat-of-arms will look very impressive on your stationery and business cards. We also provide various aristocratic accessories imprinted with the Blackwood coat-of-arms in our webshop.

As a member of the elevated classes you may wish to take up other Scottish lordly pursuits, such as wearing the kilt, fishing for salmon or even playing the bagpipe if the fancy takes you! And do not be surprised if your new title brings about some added perks, like plane upgrades and other preferential treatment. It’s been known to happen. The Lairdship Portfolio will also make a perfect gift for someone special.

Buy land on the Blackwood Estate and commence your new life of entitlement today!

According to old Scots law and custom a landowner is granted the right to use the title ‘Laird’ and female landowners are styled as ‘Lady’. Some male Lairds choose instead to use the more well-known English translation ‘Lord’. Scottish Lairds are members of the lower aristocracy and historically held feudal rights under the crown. In the table of precedence a Laird ranks above an Esquire and directly below a Baron.

By purchasing a plot of land on the Blackwood Estate in Scotland you will acquire the right to style yourself Laird, Lord or Lady of Blackwood. At the same time you will contribute to the preservation of Loch Wood, one of Scotland’s few remaining native woodlands. What better way to start your new life as a member of the aristocracy than to embrace your own favourite charity?

As Laird, Lord or Lady of Blackwood you will also be granted the exclusive right to wear the Blackwood coat-of-arms and tartan, that may not be used by others than the rightful owners of land on the Blackwood Estate. The coat-of-arms will look very impressive on your stationery and business cards. We also provide various aristocratic accessories imprinted with the Blackwood coat-of-arms in our webshop.

As a member of the elevated classes you may wish to take up other Scottish lordly pursuits, such as wearing the kilt, fishing for salmon or even playing the bagpipe if the fancy takes you! And do not be surprised if your new title brings about some added perks, like plane upgrades and other preferential treatment. It’s been known to happen. The Lairdship Portfolio will also make a perfect gift for someone special.

Buy land on the Blackwood Estate and commence your new life of entitlement today!

According to old Scots law and custom a landowner is granted the right to use the title ‘Laird’ and female landowners are styled as ‘Lady’. Some male Lairds choose instead to use the more well-known English translation ‘Lord’. Scottish Lairds are members of the lower aristocracy and historically held feudal rights under the crown. In the table of precedence a Laird ranks above an Esquire and directly below a Baron.

By purchasing a plot of land on the Blackwood Estate in Scotland you will acquire the right to style yourself Laird, Lord or Lady of Blackwood. At the same time you will contribute to the preservation of Loch Wood, one of Scotland’s few remaining native woodlands. What better way to start your new life as a member of the aristocracy than to embrace your own favourite charity?

As Laird, Lord or Lady of Blackwood you will also be granted the exclusive right to wear the Blackwood coat-of-arms and tartan, that may not be used by others than the rightful owners of land on the Blackwood Estate. The coat-of-arms will look very impressive on your stationery and business cards. We also provide various aristocratic accessories imprinted with the Blackwood coat-of-arms in our webshop.

As a member of the elevated classes you may wish to take up other Scottish lordly pursuits, such as wearing the kilt, fishing for salmon or even playing the bagpipe if the fancy takes you! And do not be surprised if your new title brings about some added perks, like plane upgrades and other preferential treatment. It’s been known to happen. The Lairdship Portfolio will also make a perfect gift for someone special.

Buy land on the Blackwood Estate and commence your new life of entitlement today!

According to old Scots law and custom a landowner is granted the right to use the title ‘Laird’ and female landowners are styled as ‘Lady’. Some male Lairds choose instead to use the more well-known English translation ‘Lord’. Scottish Lairds are members of the lower aristocracy and historically held feudal rights under the crown. In the table of precedence a Laird ranks above an Esquire and directly below a Baron.

By purchasing a plot of land on the Blackwood Estate in Scotland you will acquire the right to style yourself Laird, Lord or Lady of Blackwood. At the same time you will contribute to the preservation of Loch Wood, one of Scotland’s few remaining native woodlands. What better way to start your new life as a member of the aristocracy than to embrace your own favourite charity?

As Laird, Lord or Lady of Blackwood you will also be granted the exclusive right to wear the Blackwood coat-of-arms and tartan, that may not be used by others than the rightful owners of land on the Blackwood Estate. The coat-of-arms will look very impressive on your stationery and business cards. We also provide various aristocratic accessories imprinted with the Blackwood coat-of-arms in our webshop.

As a member of the elevated classes you may wish to take up other Scottish lordly pursuits, such as wearing the kilt, fishing for salmon or even playing the bagpipe if the fancy takes you! And do not be surprised if your new title brings about some added perks, like plane upgrades and other preferential treatment. It’s been known to happen. The Lairdship Portfolio will also make a perfect gift for someone special.

Buy land on the Blackwood Estate and commence your new life of entitlement today!

Feedback:

18 May 2012: “My husband and I are thrilled with our package.  We are having lots of fun with it, at the same time knowing we are contributing to conservation.  thank you so much.” (Lady Debra, Canada)

2 May 2012: “I’ve bought twice for support your project. When i’ve got more money I would like buy more.” (Lord Dalibert, France)

2 May 2012: “Great initiative.” (Lord Poignant, France)

2 May 2012: “Thank you, it all arrived this morning! I’m really pleased with it, thank you again!” (Amy, UK)

2 May 2012: “Dear benefactors of Blackwood, I like first to congratulate your association for such a noble endeavour and wish you all the success that it deserves.” (Laird Pegnas, France)

28 March 2012: “A quick e-mail to advise that all documentation arrived today 28th March 2012. I have to say it’s all very impressive. Thankyou to you and Blackwood for such a delightful gift. Fond Regards.” (Lady Carrington, Australia)

27 March 2012: “must say your package looks really good.” (Ann, UK)

23 March 2012: “Thankyou for your prompt and speedy support and reply. Fond Regards.” (Lady Carrington, Australia)

13 March 2012: “I would just like to say a very big thank you for the help you have given us. we very much appreciate what you have done for us. looking forward to recieving our titles and will be using the website again in the near future. thank you again” (Mr McConnachie, UK)

3 March 2012: “Greetings~ I have just received this wonderful gift in good condition and wished you to know. I am most pleased with the package and the accuracy of it’s contents. My grand-daughter will be gob smacked at her college graduation to have received such a personalized gift. Thank you so very much for assisting me in this process and helping me continue a fantasy within the realm of reality. Bless you and your kindness! Fondly,” (Joyce, USA)

22 February 2012: “Hi Native Woods, I received my latest documents on the land that I am buying as well as the information about a Blackwood email address thank you very much. I will continue to help Native Woods operation of preserving land in it’s natural state. Thank you” (Laird Burke, USA)

15 February 2012: “Just to let you know that everything arrived safely and in time. M’Lady is delighted!” (Mr Sparkes, Ireland)

7 February 2012: “Thank you for your deligent efforts! I will certainly tell others of this fine opportunity to own a piece of Scottish history, and will be using your services again (my mother has already made it known that she should receive such a gift for her birthday since it is her heritage and “right”). Again, thank you.” (Michele, USA)

20 January 2012: “THIS is the way to go. I looked at a number of these kits by different vendors and this one by far is the nicest! Suitable for framing – Wax seals, Deed that can be left to your children – Very nice indeed! Well done…” (Steven, USA)

23 December 2011: “I wanted to thank you for your reply. I will certainly contact you earlier this year to support you in your beautiful project. Wishing you a happy Christmas.” (Julien, France)

16 December 2011: “service was great. The few people I have told think it is great. Will re-do my passport when it expires.” (Lord Gary of Blackwood, Canada)

10 December 2011: “Thanks so much for all your help” (Lady Hamilton-Evans, Australia)

6 December 2011: “I have cancelled an order with another conservation site to go with Blackwood – which looks magnificent and should stay that way.” (Lady Hall, Australia)

8 September 2011: “It’s a novel idea with an added beauty of knowing you’re doing a little bit for forrestry preservation.” (Mr Sparkes, Ireland)

31 August 2011: “I received the package with all the documentation, I am very happy!” (Lady Elisabeth, Spain)