In c.1189-95, the lands of Strachan were erected into a barony by King William the Lion who granted it to William Gifford of Lethington (in the barony of Yester, ELO) in feu and in forest with permanent and hereditary rights for a payment of 9 merks annually every Pentecost, and another payment of sixty shillings at the Feast of St. Martin (RRS, ii, no. 340). Simply, the lands of Strachan were held by the Crown 'in forest.' According to the grant, 'No one is to cut timber or hunt without his the baron of Strachan’s license on pain of the king’s forfeiture of £10.' As this clause confirms, the baron of Strachan held forest rights.