Abailie orbaillie is a civic officer in thelocal government of Scotland. The position arose in theburghs, where bailies formerly held a post similar to that of analderman ormagistrate (seebailiff). Baillies appointed thehigh constables in Edinburgh,Leith andPerth. Modern bailies exist in Scottish local councils, and the position being a courtesy title, appointees are often requested to provide support to thelord provost orprovost - the ceremonial and civic head of the council - in their various engagements.[1][2]
The name was derived fromOld French and used to be synonymous withprovost. Several officials held this role often at the appointment of the Church.[3]
Thejurisdiction of a bailie is called abailiary (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]
Scottishbarons often appointed a Bailie as their judicial officer.