The Convention of The Baronage of Scotland 
The Coronet
Coronets are all based on the Chapeau or Cap of Maintenance and are therefore of a feudal land holding nature.Until the seventeenth century no distinction was made between Lords of Parliament and Barons who both wore the chapeau alone. In latter years a convention has arrived where the coronet denotes rank
DUKE
Eight strawberry leaves.
MARQUIS
Four strawberry leaves interspersed with four silver balls on short spikes.
EARL
Eight strawberry leaves interspersed with eight silver balls on long spikes.
VISCOUNT
Sixteen silver balls on short spikes sitting on the circlet.
LORD OF PARLIAMENT
Six silver balls on short spikes sitting on the circlet.
BARON (who is not a chief)
A chapeau.
The chief of a family may use a 'ducal coronet' of four strawberry leaves (one plus two half leaves visible in a typical drawing) tinctured to indicate whether or not the chief is still in possession of the former estates.
This achievement of the Duke of Hamilton taken from Sir Thomas Innes of Learney's book "Scots Heraldry" p33 shows a coronet of a duke immediately above the shield.
Thereon two helmets befitting his degree, and for crests dexter, on a ducal coronet an oak tree fructed etc. sinister, on a chapeau gules, lined ermine, a salamander in flames proper etc.
This wonderful achievement shows a proper regard for the ancient baronial status.
