Legal Definitions - few

The term "few" is an archaic or alternative spelling of FEU. A FEU is a historical form of land tenure, predominantly found in Scots law, where a landowner (known as the "superior") granted land to another party (the "vassal") in perpetuity. In return, the vassal paid an annual sum of money, known as "feu-duty," and sometimes performed other services or obligations.

This arrangement created a perpetual landlord-tenant relationship, where the vassal held many rights akin to full ownership but was still technically holding the land from the superior. While historically significant, the feudal system in Scotland, including feu tenure, was largely abolished by the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000. Understanding "feu" is crucial for comprehending historical property rights and transactions in Scotland.

• Example 1 (Historical Agricultural Land):

  In the 18th century, a Scottish laird (the superior) granted a large tract of agricultural land to a farming family (the vassal) under a feu charter. The family agreed to pay an annual feu-duty of five pounds sterling and provide a certain number of days of labor during harvest season. This arrangement allowed the family to farm the land for generations, effectively owning it for practical purposes, but always subject to the laird's superior title and the ongoing feu-duty payment.

  This illustrates a classic feu arrangement where land is granted in perpetuity for an annual payment and services, establishing a long-term, hierarchical land tenure.

• Example 2 (Urban Development):

  In the late 19th century, a developer acquired a large plot of land from a city council (the superior) through a feu contract to build a row of tenements. The contract stipulated an annual feu-duty for each tenement plot and included conditions regarding the type of construction and maintenance of common areas. The individual tenement owners, upon purchasing their properties, became the vassals, responsible for their portion of the feu-duty to the city council.

  This demonstrates how feu tenure was used for urban development, creating a perpetual obligation for property owners to a superior, even for residential buildings.

• Example 3 (Abolition and Compensation):

  After the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000, many property owners who previously held their land under a feu were able to extinguish their feu-duty obligations. For instance, a homeowner whose property was subject to a feu-duty of £50 per year could pay a one-off compensation sum to their former superior to fully convert their title to outright ownership, free from any feudal burdens.

  While this example describes the *end* of a feu, it clearly illustrates the prior existence and legal implications of feu tenure, showing how a historical legal relationship had to be formally dissolved through legislation and compensation.