Heck is a hamlet in the local government area of Dumfries and Galloway. Heck is one of the “Royal Four Towns” of Lochmaben, founded as a royal town by King Robert I in the early 14th century as they were the first to declare for him after the murder of the Comyn. In Heck portions of land were entrusted to experienced soldiers, who held them directly from the king Robert the Bruce and so were known as the “King’s Kindly Tenants” in Heck and the other Royal Four Towns. They had the right to share the common lands and resources of woods and water around Heck, making them unusually privileged throughout the centuries. In return the Kindly Tenants were obliged to provide provisions and garrisons when Lochmaben Castle was occupied by the King or his representatives. Heck is 2 miles (3.2 km) southeast of the town of Lochmaben and is 1 mile (1.6 km) north of the village of Hightae.
