When my partner and I tied the knot, I seriously considered having our officiant refer to us as Lady Emily and Laird Alex. I mean, we are landowners in Scotland, after all. Sure, our claim to fame is a mere square foot of land nestled in a charming hillside town near Edinburgh, but it’s a piece of heritage that we hope to pass down through generations.
How It All Started
So, how did I stumble upon this quirky idea of land ownership? None other than the fabulous Lord Scott Disick from Keeping Up With the Kardashians sparked my interest. In one memorable episode, he embarks on a journey to earn the title of “Lord” in the UK. However, the path to becoming a Laird—or a Lady—is a lot easier than it seems.
In Scotland, anyone can call themselves a Lady or Laird if they own property there. During my time studying abroad, I found a couple of websites that allow individuals to legally buy a square foot of land in Scotland, regardless of where you’re from. For less than $15, you and a partner can become proud landowners! It’s practically a steal!
The Purchase Process
Using Scottish Land Sales, I was able to complete the purchase in mere moments. Once I made my transaction, I received an online land pack that included my plot registration number, the exact coordinates of my land, a legal contract, a certificate of lairdship, and even personalized Laird of Bandrum notepaper. You can buy this land for yourself or as a unique gift for someone special. Plus, the great news is that the land can be inherited, allowing your family’s connection to Scotland to endure. The only downside? You can’t build on it. I know, you were probably dreaming of a cozy tiny home, right? But in a way, we’re doing our part to protect this land from urban sprawl by ensuring it remains untouched.
Visiting Our Land
One of the best parts about owning this tiny piece of Scotland is the ability to visit it. Our plot is conveniently located near a golf course close to Dunfermline. It’s just a quick train and bus ride from Edinburgh, taking less than an hour to get there.
I first visited our land back in July 2017, shortly after starting to date my now-husband. I wanted to do something special for us, so I booked my very first Uber ride from Edinburgh to Dunfermline. I was both nervous and excited to venture about two hours from my temporary home. Armed with nothing but the GPS coordinates, I initially stopped by the pub at the golf course to see if anyone there had info about our land.
After ordering an Irn Bru—Scotland’s beloved soda—I shared my purpose with the bartender, who turned out to be quite familiar with the land plots. In fact, the guy sitting next to me even joked, “You want to be a Lady, aye?” (Yeah, right, buddy). The bartender eventually fetched a manager who kindly showed me the path leading to our plot.
Despite a rather creepy encounter, the staff at the golf course were incredibly welcoming and went above and beyond to assist me. As I made my way up the hill, it started to rain, forcing me to seek shelter under a tree. But true to Scottish weather, the sun peeked through moments later, and I pressed on.
Finally, I found my square foot of land, and it was a surreal experience. The view was nothing short of breathtaking, with sights of the Forth Bridge, the William Wallace Monument, and Edinburgh sprawling out before me. That $100 Uber ride was worth every penny!
Sharing the Experience
Fast forward to our honeymoon in August of this year, and I was eager to share this experience with my husband. Since we had been dating during my study abroad, this place carried sentimental value for us. We took a train and a few buses, but ended up getting off too early and walking a mile in wet conditions. However, once we reached the pub, it felt like a homecoming.
I ordered my Irn Bru again, and the bartender instantly recognized that we were not there to golf. I sheepishly explained our mission to visit our square foot of land, and the manager was thrilled to hear that we had come all that way.
As we climbed the hill, everything was just as I remembered: the fresh air, lush greenery, and spectacular view. Sharing this moment with my husband and reliving those memories made me feel so fortunate.
A Unique Gift Idea
So, if you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for a loved one, consider a plot of land in Scotland. It’s not just a piece of grass; it’s a legacy that can be cherished for a lifetime. Plus, you’re preserving a little slice of Earth in the process! For more insights on this topic, check out this blog post.
In summary, inspired by a fun reality show, I ended up owning a piece of land in Scotland. It’s a unique adventure that has brought my husband and me closer together and allows us to create lasting memories.