A bailie or baillie 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 alderman or magistrate (see bailiff). Modern bailies exist in Scottish local councils, with the position being a courtesy title and appointees often requested to provide support to the Lord Provost or Provost - the ceremonial and civic head of the council - in his various engagements.
The name derives from Old French and used to be synonymous with Provost, with several officials holding this role often at the appointment of the Church.
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.
Aberdeen City Council - appoints five bailies.
Dundee City Council - appoints five bailies. The position was reintroduced in 2003.
Edinburgh City Council - appoints six bailies. The position was reintroduced in the 2000s following the title falling into disuse after the 1975 reform of local government.
Glasgow City Council - appoints seventeen bailies.
Alasdair MacMhaighstir Alasdair, Bailie of Canna
Mary Barbour, Glasgow Corporation's first woman Baillie (1924-1927)
Alexander Comyn, Earl of Buchan, Bailie of Inverie, Knoydart
Dr George Coull FRSE, Bailie of Edinburgh
Sir John Lauder, 1st Baronet, Bailie of Edinburgh
Thomas Watt, Bailie to the Baron of Cartsburn, grandfather of James Watt
Bailie William Landale, winner of the silver cup at the first open championship held at St Andrews Old Course in 1754, see Timeline of golf history (1353-1850)
"Baillie Vass" - the Aberdeen Evening Express accidentally used a picture of Sir Alec Douglas-Home over a caption referring to a baillie called Vass. Private Eye then affected to believe that Home was an imposter.
Scottish barons often appointed a Bailie as their judicial officer.
