Abailieorbaillie is a civic officer in the local government of Scotland. The position arose in the burghs, where bailies formerly held a post similar to that of an aldermanormagistrate (see bailiff). Baillies appointed the high constables in Edinburgh, Leith and Perth. Modern bailies exist in Scottish local councils, and the position being a courtesy title, appointees are often requested to provide support to the lord provostorprovost - the ceremonial and civic head of the council - in their various engagements.[1][2]
The name was derived from Old French and used to be synonymous with provost. Several officials held this role often at the appointment of the Church.[3]
The jurisdiction of a bailie is called a bailiary (alt. bailiery).
The office of bailie was abolished in law in Scotland in 1975, and today the position of bailie is a courtesy title.[2]
Scottish barons often appointed a Bailie as their judicial officer.
