Established Titles is a company which sells souvenir plots of Scottish land from 1 sq ft (0.09 m2) to 20 sq ft (1.86 m2). While the company claims that those who buy the 'plots' can choose to be titled Lord, Laird or Lady, as part of a supposed "traditional Scottish custom", souvenir plots are too small to be legally registered for ownership and owners of souvenir plots do not have the right to officially title themselves. The company also keeps legal ownership.[1] It owns land in Ardallie, Aberdeenshire,[2][3] Dunfermline, Dumfries, Galloway and the Borders.[4] YouTuber Scott Shafer's video alleging that the company was a scam caused significant controversy and many YouTubers to cease receiving sponsorships from the company.[5]
 | |
| Founded | 2019 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Katerina Yip |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong |
| Products | Souvenir plots |
| Parent | Galton Voysey |
| Website | establishedtitles |
Operations
editIt was founded by CEO Katerina Yip.[2] Established Titles has allegedly been referred to the Advertising Standards Authority.[6] It received backlash for its aggressive marketing efforts, which involves recruiting YouTubers for promotions.[4][7] The company is owned by Hong Kong-based investment firm, Galton Voysey Ltd.[8]
Controversy
editOn 23 November 2022, YouTuber Scott Shafer uploaded a video accusing Established Titles of being a scam that misleads its customers, advising YouTubers to stop working with the company as they do not legally bestow ownership.[9] After the video went viral, many YouTubers dropped their sponsorships, including Philip DeFranco and SomeOrdinaryGamers. Established Titles defended itself in a letter to its partners saying that it was "under a targeted, completely unfounded attack based on bogus claims", claiming that it had been transparent about its practices. Many other YouTubers have released videos reasserting Shafer's stance.[2][4][10][11]
Established Titles said that the plots were "a fun gift, meant for a good laugh" and that customers are aware of this; this has been refuted, according to NBC News, by customers who have reported that they believed they were buying land.[2]
References
edit- ^ Robertson, Craig (4 December 2022). "Hong Kong investment firm buys Scottish land and claims it will make punters lords and ladies". Daily Record. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
- ^ a b c d Tolentino, Daysia (2 December 2022). "Some YouTube creators are dropping their sponsorships with Established Titles after the company is accused of being a 'scam'". NBC News. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
- ^ McVicker, Daniela (3 April 2022). "Established Titles Partners With Nonprofits To Address Scottish Deforestation". Blue & Green Tomorrow. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
- ^ a b c Hunter, Ross (30 November 2022). "YouTube: Established Titles criticized for 'selling' Scottish land". The National. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
- ^ "Some YouTube creators are dropping their sponsorships with Established Titles after company is accused of being a 'scam'". NBC News. 1 December 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ "Firm selling 'souvenir plots' of Scots land faces watchdog investigation". The National. 13 December 2022. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
- ^ "Some YouTube creators are dropping their sponsorships with Established Titles after company is accused of being a 'scam'". NBC News. 1 December 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
- ^ "Terms and Conditions". www.establishedtitles.com. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
- ^ Shafer, Scott (23 November 2022). Established Titles Scam -YouTube's BIGGEST Con! Graham Stephan & Andrei Jikh. Retrieved 2 May 2023 – via YouTube.
- ^ LaCapria, Kim (28 November 2022). "'Established Titles' Controversy". TruthOrFiction.com. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
- ^ Milner, Richard (28 November 2022). "How The Established Titles Scam Really Works". Grunge.com. Static Media. Retrieved 2 December 2022.