A Scottish feudal barony is land that has by charter been erected by the Crown (or sometimes by a high noble) in liberam baronium, giving the owner, whether by inheritance or by purchase, a whole bundle of land, mineral, and other rights, including certain rights of public justice, privileges not belonging to ordinary estates.
The holders of these baronies are termed Barons (or Baronesses), as distinct from the Lords of Parliament (the Scottish equivalent of the English Barons). Although similar to the Lords of the Manor, Scottish Barons are like continental barons in nobiliary status. Their interests are looked after by the Convention of the Baronage of Scotland.

A Scottish baron has various armorial prerogatives not unlike those of a peer, including a cap of maintenance, supporters, a barred helm garnished with gold, a robe or mantle, uniquely specified flags and, as befits the ancient institution, a Baron Court. A baron of Scotland is also permitted two pipers, each displaying an armorial pipe banner.

The tinctures and furring of the chapeau or cap of maintenance form several categories:

1.) Gules furred Ermine: a Baron of the Kingdom of Scotland, in possession of the barony;
2.) Azure furred Ermine: the heir to such a Baron, no longer in possession (called "the Representer of the Baronial House of X");
3.) Gules furred Ermines: a Baron of Argull and the Isles, or of one the older Earldoms, still in possession;
4.) Azure furred Ermines: the heir to such a Baron, no longer in possession.

The cap is depicted ensigning the shield of arms, beneath the helm and crest. The robe, or mantle, may be displayed draped (very much in the European fashion) behind the achievement actually in posssession of a barony, and is described as a feuso-baronial Mantle, Gules doubled of silk Argent, fur edged of miniver and collar Ermine, and fastened on the right shoulder by five spherical buttons Or. The Scottish feudal baronial helm is of steel with one or three grilles (one being by far the more usual) garnished with gold. The helm is normally shown facing dexter but may be shown affronty. Supporters may be used by the heirs of baronies held before 1587, and possibly for baronies held between that date and 1627 (the point is not fully resolved). On the matter of flags, a Scottish baron may adorn the top of his flagstaff with a cap of maintenance, and employ, as he sees fit, standards, guidons and pennons.

The most recent form of style and title for Barons is, e.g., "Charles Gairdner of Lethendy, Baron of Lethendy", and for Baronesses, e.g., "Joan Cranfield Moneypenny of Pitmilly, Lady Pitmilly, Baroness of Pitmilly". The full style may include the prefix "The Much Honoured". Older styles, which included for example "Mistress Viola Stirling of Gargunnock, Lady of the Barony of Gargunnock" and "Madame Douglas of Brigton", may presumably continue in use for those who have been thus recorded. The Lyon Court has officially revived the ancient address, in speech, of, e.g., "Lady Pitmilly". The wife of a Baron may use a similar style.

Some barons use the title "of that Ilk". The word Ilk comes from the Anglo-Saxon and means same. Thus "Dundas of Dundas" is "Dundas of the Same" or correctly "Dundas of that Ilk". The origin of this usage is lowland, and the highland chiefs used to call themselves only by their clan name, i.e. MacLeod, MacGregor, etc., but did not find this sufficient in the capital. Therefore, and not to confuse themselves with the Lowland Lairds, they began to use their name twice and this is why we have The MacLeod of MacLeod, The MacGregor of MacGregor, etc.

The holder of a barony which was formerly held directly from the King has always been entitled to use the style "The Laird of Lethendy". This style should not be used by holders of baronies formerly held from a great lord, but in practice it is nowadays extended to all holders of baronies.

Unlike peers, Barons may not sign with their territorial titles alone, but must use the form, e.g, "Charles Gairdner of Lethendy", or "C. Gairdner of Lethendy", with initials "C.G. of L.".

As in England a lord of the manor had his local court, so in Scotland the holder of a feudal barony has, implicitly, a Baron Court. The president of such a court is a Baron-Baillie and the chief officer a Baron-Sergeant (or Baron-Officer). The insignia of a Baron-Baillie is a flat cap of justice, environed by two guards of braid and usually in the livery colours of the baron concerned. A very few Baron-Baillies have gowns, badges and pendants relevant to the estate they serve. The symbols of office of the Baron-Sergeant (or Baron-Officer) are a white Ell-wand (or Wand of Peace), one Scots ell in length (approximately thirty-seven inches), together with a horn.