Maybe you’ve always dreamed of making the Downton Abbey life your reality, or weeks of binging the Crown have left you feeling like ‘Mr.’ or ‘Mrs.’ is not sufficient. Well, the good news is for $49.95 (give or take) you, too, can become a land baron and get the honorary title of Lord or Lady.
At least, that’s what several online shops are selling, and at least one security clearance holder has received. There are currently several sites out there offering up the opportunity to buy a parcel of land in the Scottish wilderness, including the right to visit the land and pass the title on to future generations. You’re probably not going to be able to do much with that 10×10 foot square in the Scottish wilderness, mind you, but you will buy yourself a title – Lord or Lady, if you so choose.
Whether it’s a gag or a homage to a true Scot, the Scotland title opportunity is real, and has left at least one security clearance holder wondering if the gift is one he’ll need to report. The good news is your new title(s) pose no problem for a current or future security clearance.
Foreign preference and foreign influence are serious security clearance concerns, and with self reporting guidelines taken more seriously today thanks to SEAD 3, security clearance holders are wise to consider how any foreign entanglements could affect a security clearance. When it comes to overseas holdings, it’s worth noting that foreign investments don’t necessarily mean clearance denial or revocation. The government considers the amount and significance of the investment. The same goes with involvement in a foreign government. Having a true claim to a royal title in another country may pose an issue – but having an honorary one you bought on the Internet won’t.
It’s worth noting that while allegiance to the United States is an adjudicative criteria, that doesn’t mean that paying homage to your country of origin, whether it’s Scotland or India, will pose clearance concerns. Again, keep in mind the nature of the relationship and the depth of the entanglement. (Celebrating Chinese New Year = okay. Investing in your cousin’s Chinese business = probably not).
