[Note 4] Such lands could previously be converted into feus at the will of the proprietor and held from the Crown[4] or the Marquess of Zetland.

In feu holding, there is a substantial annual payment in money or in kind in return for the enjoyment of the land.

[4][7] Casualties, which are a feature of land held in feu, are certain payments made to the superior thar are contingent on the happening of certain events.

The most important was the payment of an amount equal to one year's feu-duty by a new holder, whether heir or purchaser of the feu.

If the vassal does not pay the feu-duty for two years, the superior, among other remedies, may obtain by legal process a decree of irritancy, whereupon tinsel or forfeiture of the feu follows.