Bidders get chance of royal link

The Braemar Gathering is a favourite of the Queen

Bidders from around the world are to get the chance to secure one of the most prestigious titles in Scotland.

The grand feudal title Baron of Braemar has gone on sale for the first time in more than 200 years.

The village of Braemar, in the north east of Scotland, is famed for its historic links to the Royal family and its world famous Highland Gathering.

Sellers, the trustees of the Mar Estate, believe the prestige title could attract bids of more than £1m.

Brian Hamilton, of agents Scottish Barony Titles, said he expected hundreds of responses to the sale.

I would not be surprised if Braemar set a new world record Brian Hamilton Scottish Barony Titles

He said: "This is without a doubt the most prestigious feudal title in Scotland.

"It is totally unique and while it's difficult to say what it's worth, I would not be surprised if Braemar set a new world record."

The village neighbours The Balmoral Estate, the Queen's summer holiday home, and members of the Royal family are regular guests at the annual Braemar Gathering.

Mr Hamilton said he expected the sale to be particularly popular in America and Canada.

While the typical price for a barony is about £100,000, the baronial title of MacDonald recently sold for a figure understood to be well over a million pounds and sellers believe the Baron of Braemar could go for even more.

But besides the title and an assured place in the history books, the new Baron of Braemar will not have that much to show for his money.

No land is included in the sale, however, Mr Hamilton said they could include a rural cottage overlooking the village if desired.

And if the buyer does not already have a coat of arms he can petition the Lord Lyon, King of Arms, for a grant.