| Barony of the Bachuil | |
|---|---|
  Arms of Livingstone, Barons of the Bachuil: Quarterly, First Or, a lion rampant Gules, Second and Third Argent, a dexter hand couped at the wrist Gules, holding a cross crosslet fitchée Azure, Fourth Or, in chief a salmon naiant Proper, in base three bars wavy Azure | |
| Creation date | 9th century |
| Creation | Baronage of Scotland |
| Present holder | The Much Hon. Niall Livingstone of Bachuil, Baron of Bachuil By The Grace of God, Coarb of St Moluag, Abbot of Lismore, Head of Clan Livingstone[1] |
| Seat(s) | Bachuil House |
Baron of the Bachuil is a title of nobility in the Baronage of Scotland. It is regarded as the oldest aristocratic title in the country and ecclesiastical (church) office, predating even the Archbishop of Canterbury, with origins tracing back to Saint Moluag, a Celtic saint who established 120 monasteries.[2]
The Lord Lyon views him as a "sovereign lord" as his title dates back before the formation of the Kingdom of Scotland, therefore being the only person whose passport title includes the inscription “by the Grace of God,” a phrase that is so ancient it is typically associated only with the monarchy. While the King does not require a passport, this makes the Baron of Bachuil the sole individual in the country with such a title in official documentation.[2]
- ^ "The Chief of Clan Livingstone". www.clanlivingstone.info. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ a b "Baron who shares passport title only with Queen sells up family property after 1,500 years". Deadline. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
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