People in Edinburgh could inherit a huge fortune if they have a specific surname.
If someone passes away without leaving a will, it is not always clear who should inherit their assets and estate. If they die with no known next of kin or family, or no family comes forward, the estate becomes 'unclaimed'.
With this, someone could have a chance of inheriting everything, if they discover they are an estranged relative, or perhaps they didn't know the person existed.
READ MORE - The 'too small' cottage where Prince William's alleged 'attack' on Harry took place
The Treasury has published a list of unclaimed estates in Edinburgh and all that needs to be checked is a corresponding surname. The estates on the list are marked as 'ownerless' and is now in possession of the Crown, as no family member has claimed it.
Estates can be claimed within a 12-year period from when the Crown takes possession of it and any relative of the deceased can claim if they believe they are entitled to a share of it.
Surnames of the unclaimed properties in Edinburgh
- Barclay
- Brogan
- Dean
- Hammond
- Huddleston
- Hughes
- Parker
- Robertson
Who can claim a share of the estate
If you want to make a claim on an estate that has been dealt with by BVD, you will need a family tree to show how you are related to the person who has died, and include the dates of birth, marriage and death of all those on the tree. If it appears that you may be entitled to claim the estate, BVD will then ask you to supply documentary evidence that proves your entitlement.
As explained og Gov.uk, if someone dies without leaving a valid or effective will (intestate) the following are entitled to the estate in the order shown below:
- Husband, wife or civil partner
- Children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and so on
- Mother or father
- Brothers or sisters who share both the same mother and father, or their children (nieces and nephews)
- Half brothers or sisters or their children (nieces and nephews of the half blood or their children). ‘Half ’ means they share only one parent with the deceased
- Grandparents
- Uncles and aunts or their children (first cousins or their descendants)
- Half uncles and aunts or their children (first cousins of the half blood or their children). ‘Half’ means they only share one grandparent with the deceased, not both
Anyone who believes they might be entitled to a share of an unclaimed estate should contact the Treasury on the government website.
READ NEXT-
Prince William 'ordered plane to leave without Harry' in rush to dying Queen
Edinburgh cop's business with woman he had extra-marital affair with in car fails
My 600lb Life's Paula Jones looks unrecognisable in swimwear after epic weight loss
Prince Harry was 'physically attacked' during confrontation with William
ScotRail add extra Edinburgh services to timetable following strike action
