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Not royalty, but you can be Lord or Lady

If you had someone walk up to you in Steveston recently and ask if you wanted to become a Scottish lord or a lady, they weren't pulling your leg.

If you had someone walk up to you in Steveston recently and ask if you wanted to become a Scottish lord or a lady, they weren't pulling your leg.

Indeed, if you fancy signing cheques or passing over a credit card with a bonafide Scots lord or lady title, it's not as difficult as you think.

That's exactly what Esme Sutherland of Highland Titles was telling folks in the Richmond fishing village when she dropped by as part of her Canadian tour this summer.

For the princely sum of $50, Canadians - or any nationality for that matter - can purchase a square foot of the Scottish Highlands and bestow upon themselves land and title.

In return, their cash will go towards vital replanting of native woodland, which has been in steady decline since the 18th century.

"There are a large number of Scots in Canada, especially on the west coast," Sutherland said of Highland Titles' decision to promote in Canada. "I believe Canadian Scots actually make up the third largest ethnic group in the country. This, coupled with the visit of the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, made Canada the perfect choice."

They've already made a few sales in Richmond. So, expect anytime soon to see a Lord or Lady MacSomethingorother strutting down No. 3 Road as if they own the place.

"Once you own a piece of land, you are legally allowed to change your title from Mr., Mrs. or Miss to Laird, Lord or Lady," explained Sutherland.

"This is in-keeping with Scottish land owner tradition and has proved a great way to inspire interest in our conservation projects."

Initially, when the company started just under 10 years ago, it was very small. Business was aimed mainly at the U.K. audience, but as it grew in size, Highland Titles started to expand its horizons and it exploded last spring following a promotional tour of Australia.

And after an appearance on breakfast TV in Calgary last month, Canadian sales have soared. "We also like to get out and meet people on the street, as we can answer any questions directly, that is why we visited smaller towns like Steveston," added Sutherland.

Once you have purchased a plot of land you can then opt to sponsor a tree to be planted and Highland Titles often plant trees to commemorate special events or people.

With that in mind, every title purchased and tree planted goes toward acquiring more land, which Highland Titles will, in turn, protect.

Anyone interested in becoming a lord or a lady, should contact Highland Titles by e-mail at info@ highlandtitles.com, call (UK) 0044 1481 823 937 or visit the website www.highlandtitles.com.

acampbell@richmond-news.com