If you have one of these surnames you could inherit a Scottish castle

6 November 2019, 11:55

The government has published a list of unclaimed Scottish estates - could you be in line to inherit one?

If you happen to be a long lost relative of a deceased owner of a one of 435 unclaimed Scottish castles on a just-released list of unclaimed estate, it could be your lucky day.

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Because the government has just released a list of estates yet to be claimed by next of kin - and if you share a surname with someone on the list, it could be you.

When a person dies without leaving a will in Scotland, their unclaimed assets automatically fall under ownership of the Crown, and are then placed in the care of The Office of Queen’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer.

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The process of claiming estates was made easier in Scotland with the passing of The Succession Act, as it removed the requirement for claimants to make a 'bond of caution' (a type of insurance).

If someone is able to successfully prove that they are entitled to them, assets - like castles - can be up for grabs.

So if you share a surname with someone on the list - which include Carlin, Hunniball, Malone-Philban and Raube - then you might be entitled to claim.

You can download the list here - and, if you think you're entitled to make a claim, you can do so here.

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