Fake Scots Titles

[auld argonian]

As to the "square footers", I did want to ask whether or not anybody could be so incredibly dumb that they would actually think that those transactions grant them some kind of entitlement but I guess there are a few who take it seriously. They are to be looked upon with compassion; they are obviously sad, needy little people who have to manufacture their own little world to live in lest any exposure to reality burst their little bubble.

And for those who style themselves as nobles when they don't deserve it, they just don't have the cahones to do it the old fashioned way...raise an army, burn the fields, slay the resident noble and his heirs and declare themselves lord and master of all that they see. Oh, for the good old days!

Best

AA

[Spartan Tartan]

And for those who style themselves as nobles when they don't deserve it, they just don't have the cahones to do it the old fashioned way...raise an army, burn the fields, slay the resident noble and his heirs and declare themselves lord and master of all that they see. Oh, for the good old days!

Best

AA

Nicely said.

[The Wizard of BC]

As one of the "Square Footers" let me put my two cents worth into this conversation.

As you can see from my signature block I have "2nd Laird of Lochaber" listed.

My wife purchased this for my birthday three years ago. I do not, in any way, consider this a "Title". I have a fun piece of paper and I hang it on a wall here at the shop.

As a birthday gift I found it wonderful and thoughtful. It is fun and worth whatever she paid for it. I could have received a tie. She could have taken me to dinner and a movie and paid quite a bit more. Instead she gave me something unique. She gave me a gift that reminds me of my roots every time I look at it.

I think it would also be fun to visit my One Foot of Scotland one day and take a picture of one of those little David Winter castles sitting on my 'Scottish Fishing Estate'.

Am I violating any Scottish Law by putting Laird in my signature block? No. But I would never presume that this is anything but what it is, a nice, cute, and fun Birthday gift from my wife.

If anyone here wishes to fault me for this, fine. Go ahead, knock your socks off.
If anyone wishes to to belittle my gift from my wife you better come over here and speak to me in person.

[auld argonian]

Oh, come on, Steve...you obviously take your status as a square-footer in the spirit in which it was meant. I think that the tone of the thread is a disdain for anybody who actually takes it as meaning that they're genuine landed gentry. Personally, I can't imagine how anybody could present themselves as Mini-Lairds with a straight face but it sounds like some members have run into people who actually think that it's a promotion to the upper crust and when they visit the Old Country that'll impress the local tavernkeepers enough that they'll bring the good whisky out.

Hey...I think I have one of those square inches of the Yukon that Sgt. Preston used to hawk...God, I do NOT want to see what the back taxes on that puppy must be...

Best

AA

...and since we're talking about Sgt. Preston...I'd like to state that my dog Skippy is probably smarter than Yukon King, the Sgt's lead sled dog. First of all, Skippy would never be dumb enough to run ahead and draw fire from the bad guys. Second, I do not remember ever seeing King wait until his master wasn't looking and then take a couple of laps out of his Guinness...you can ask Beloitpiper about this because he was the one who busted Skippy drinking out of my cup at the Highland Games.

[Jock Scot]

Rest assured us locals do not take this "Lairds of Lochaber" thing any more seriously than Steve does. But Steve is happy to admit that he gets a wee kick out of it and regards it as harmless fun, fair enough.To those that buy their plot expecting "rights",well they have been duped and that is wrong.To those that bolster their shaky ego with one of these "plots", well, ridicule is the best cure and I can think of two occasions where Scots natural courtesy has been stretched too far and the "Pocket Lairds", as we call them, have packed their bags and left!

[Detroitpete]

...and since we're talking about Sgt. Preston...I'd like to state that my dog Skippy is probably smarter than Yukon King, the Sgt's lead sled dog. First of all, Skippy would never be dumb enough to run ahead and draw fire from the bad guys. Second, I do not remember ever seeing King wait until his master wasn't looking and then take a couple of laps out of his Guinness...you can ask Beloitpiper about this because he was the one who busted Skippy drinking out of my cup at the Highland Games.

I tip my hat to Skippy

I just learned that for a few bucks I can become a Knight! Even a Knight Commander! Isn't that AWESOME?!!!!!!

Sheeesh. Esse quam videri!!!!!!!

[Bugbear]

I ain't Scottish; ain't none of my dagum bidness.
Same goes for just about everything else of importance.

[Cygnus]

My biggest complaint with the "square-foot" salespeople (not those that purchase the plots) is that they don't inform those customers who aren't well informed enough to take it as a bit of fun that the title they are "bestowing" is not an officially recognized title.

That little piece of information, or the changing of the title to one that is not an actual Scottish title, would certainly make me feel like it was a more legitimate business.

[auld argonian]

My biggest complaint with the "square-foot" salespeople (not those that purchase the plots) is that they don't inform those customers who aren't well informed enough to take it as a bit of fun that the title they are "bestowing" is not an officially recognized title.

That little piece of information, or the changing of the title to one that is not an actual Scottish title, would certainly make me feel like it was a more legitimate business.

Didn't you read the disclaimer?
Not a real Scottish Title...Professional Scotsman on closed road. Your mileage may vary. Consult your physician before purchasing a square foot. Persons with asthma, croop, gout, pellegra and the vapors should avoid square feet. Not available in sectors R and N. Tax, license and title additional. Do not drive while on your square foot. Call your doctor if your square foot lasts more than four hours.

Best

AA

[Spartan Tartan]

I think Steve has the right attitude. I would do just the same if my wife did something along those lines. I wouldn't snub anyone for appreciating their heritage in a unique way and having something "fun" to remind them of that. And, Steve, I'll note that I had to break out a magnifying glass to read the tiniest of fonts that you have in your signature block!

I don't think there is anything wrong with the "square-foot" thing as long as one treats it for what it is and NOT pretend they are something they are not.