Male Barons
Formal:
The Baron of Pitscot
Ian Shand of Pitscot, Baron of Pitscot
The use of the prefix "The Much Hon." for barons, chiefs,
chieftains and lairds is correct, but used only in the most formal
circumstances. "Esq." is not required, and "Mr." is
incorrect. Most barons and lairds of old Scottish families prefer the unadorned
name and territorial designation – Ian Shand of Pitscot – similar to the
"de" or "von" of Continental families. Clan chiefs and heads
of families are often addressed without the Christian name, for example: Shand
of Pitscot.
An example of incorrect form: Baron Pitscot, which would be a title in the
peerage.
Face-to-face conversation:
Baron
Pitscot
Introducing one person to another:
The Baron of Pitscot
Ian Shand of Pitscot, Baron of Pitscot
Start of letter:
Dear Pitscot
Dear Baron of Pitscot
(Note: "Dear Baron Pitscot", although widely used, is incorrect)
Signature:
Ian Shand of Pitscot
I.W.A. Shand of Pitscot
(It has never the custom in Scotland for barons to sign as "Pitscot"
alone. Such a signature was in the past reserved by law for peers. It is now
legal as an accidental result of legislation designed to bring Scottish practice
into line with the European Union, but it is still
socially incorrect.)
Phone book listing:
Listed under name he uses, eg:
Shand of Pitscot, Ian
Pitscot, Baron of
Passport and driving licence:
Ian Shand of Pitscot, Baron of Pitscot
(The Baron of Pitscot will not be accepted as a stand-alone name. The full
name must appear.)
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