Well, as of December 9th, 2024, it’s official! I am now Lord Neil Thrussell of Blairadam. Yes, you read that correctly—after years of teasing my nephews and nieces that the “L.” in my name stood for “Lord,” it turns out that my little jest has become a reality. (For context, I sign my name, L. Neil Thrussell.)
Before anyone raises an eyebrow or conjures up images of sprawling castles and royal titles, let me explain. In Scotland, all it takes to be called a lord (or lady) is to own a piece of land on an estate. Blairadam, where our plot is located, is a picturesque estate near Kelty in Fife, Scotland. The estate is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and proximity to Blairadam Forest, a haven for walkers and nature enthusiasts. It is also not far from Slamannan, Stirlingshire, the birthplace of my maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Millar. The land is also not far from Lochgilphead, Argyll, the hometown of my maternal grandfather, Neil Alexander Gillies. Knowing that this special connection to the land ties me even more closely to my family’s roots makes this title even more meaningful.
With great excitement and perhaps a touch of whimsy, Tina and I decided to acquire a small plot of land on this charming estate, thus cementing our new titles.
Tina, of course, is now officially Lady Tina Marie Thrussell. Doesn’t that have a lovely ring to it? It’s not every day you get to elevate your partner’s title in such a literal way. And while we may not rule over vast lands or lead armies into battle, we take great joy in this playful nod to tradition and heritage.
For those wondering why we chose Blairadam, it’s simple – we’re enchanted by the beauty and history of Scotland. Its rolling hills, lush greenery, and ancient traditions resonate deeply with our hearts. Owning even the smallest part of this storied land feels like a connection to something greater, a way of honouring the past while creating new memories for ourselves.
Now, however, we are faced with an important decision – which family tartan should we wear? Should we honour the Millar tartan, associated with my grandmother’s family, or the Gillies tartan, tied to my grandfather’s roots? Or perhaps we should choose the Blairadam tartan itself, representing our connection to the estate?
The Millar tartan features a striking combination of red and green with bold black accents, embodying strength and vibrancy.
The Gillies tartan, on the other hand, is characterized by deep blues and greens with subtle red lines, symbolizing the rich landscapes of Argyll.
Finally, the Blairadam tartan, a newer design, incorporates shades of gray and forest green, evoking the serene beauty of Blairadam Forest.
Each tartan carries its own story, history, and beauty, making the choice both delightful and challenging. No matter which we choose, wearing any of these tartans will be a proud celebration of heritage and connection.
Of course, this newfound ‘nobility’ comes with responsibilities… or at least, the responsibility of informing family and friends, much to their amusement. The next time I’m asked what the ‘L.’ stands for in my name, I can now answer with absolute conviction, “Lord!”
