the name abronhill comes from the 17th century, during the wars of the three kingdoms, when the area was named "abraham the hebrew's hill" by the covenanters. the name gradually changed to "abram's hill" and then to "abronhill". there was a period in scotland when it was a capital offense to preach at unauthorized religious assemblies so the covenanters chose meeting places like this hilltop with an eye on escape. ringleaders caught at these banned meetings would face the boot, or thumbscrews, or worse during the period known as the killing time. the death penalty was imposed on those who refused to swear an oath deliberately designed offend their conscience. field executions were authorized so there were no lengthy trials. locally covenanters were also reported to have met at herd's hill on fannyside to worship without the king's restrictions. at least two local farmers had all their property confiscated at trials they did not attend.