Rural / Country

Waikato laird claims legal right to title

15:45 pm on 10 August 2009

A multiple land ownership scheme has enabled Waikato's resident laird to claim a legal right to the title in Scotland.

Graeme Cairns, also known as Laird McGillicuddy, claims he can now call himself Laird of Glencairn, as well as Hamilton.

That's because he has been gifted a tiny parcel of land in the Scottish Highlands - one square foot to be exact.

He says it is part of a privately run scheme that aims to prevent inappropriate development in the Highlands, by tying up the land in multiple ownership.

Mr Cairns founded the McGillicuddy Serious Party, which contested several elections and gave an alternative take on politics.