KIng Malcolm Canmore began the introduction of feudalism into Scotland in the 11th century. The baronies and regalities had local courts and these were at first held on Moot Hills, also known as Court Hills, Judge's Hills, etc. Usually a separate Gallows Hill was created in a prominent location where men were hung for serious crimes and women were executed by drowning in Murder Holes or Drwoning Pits. In 1747 the Baronial Courts were abolished and the moot hills were abandoned. Some survive however many were ploughed out and others were adapted as gunpowder magazines, lime kilns, etc. The Gallows Hills often survive as placenames and the drowning pits have mostly vanished and even the name rarely persists.

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