Joug

A fairly common instrument of punishment which used to hang outside Scottish churches, mercat crosses or even a prominent tree was the Joug.  The iron collar would be put round the neck of an ‘offender’ with the two halves fastened by a clasp and suspended by a chain about six feet from the ground. Then the person who is being punished for such offences as swearing, drunkenness or abuse of a husband or wife would be subjected to ridicule by those passing by.  It’s a good thing that this 14th ? century  joug hanging outside Duddingston Kirk is not used for such offences now