Swiss millionaire claims Earl of Arran title

[WilliamD]

One of the titles held by Alexander, 16th Duke of Hamilton, is being
claimed by Willi Ernst Sturzenegger, a Swiss millionaire who already
styles himself 'Sturzenegger of Arran, holder of the territorial
Earldom of Arran' and has the 'caput' or title to Lochranza Castle,
owned by Historic Scotland.

Details may be found in The Herald:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/swiss-millionaire-asks-judges-to-give-him-earl-of-arran-title-1.1050127

Meanwhile, the earldom of Wigtoun– together with the distinctly
unglamorous subsidiary title of “lordship and barony of Cumbernauld” –
is for sale for offers around £250,000.

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/last-feudal-earldom-on-sale-for-250-000-1.1050386

William

[Turenne]

For those unfamiliar with Scottish Feudal Baronies; these baronies
were originally granted to an individual and his descendants, may be
alienated legally and bought or sold at will.

As far as I am aware there are only a very few earldoms, including
Rothes, Breadalbane and Wigtoun. These earldoms are entirely different
from the peerage earldoms which of course are granted by the Sovereign
to an individual (and in years past to his descendants as specified in
the Letters Patent or by writ) and may not be purchased. As far as I
know the feudal earldom of Arran doesn't exist, but I'll be happy to
provide more details about feudal baronies if anyone is interested.

Richard L