ROYAL BOROUGH, in Scotland, are corporations made for the advantage of trade, by charters granted by several of their kings; having the privilege of sending commissioners to represent them in parliament, besides other peculiar privileges. The royal boroughs are not only so many distinct corporations, but do also constitute one entire body, governed by, and accountable to, one general court, anciently called the court of four boroughs, held yearly to treat and determine concerning matters relating to the common advantage of all boroughs. The four boroughs which composed this court were, Edinburgh, Stirling, Roxburgh, and Berwick; which two last falling into the hands of the English, Linlithgow and Lanark were put in their places; with a saving to the former whenever they should return to their allegiance. But this court not being sufficient to answer the necessities of the royal boroughs, they were all empowered under James III. in 1487, to send commissioners to a yearly convention of their own, which was then appointed to be held at Inverkeithing, but is now held at Edinburgh, under the denomination of the convention of boroughs, vested with great power, and having for their object the benefit of trade, and the general interest of the boroughs.