The history of the “Witches of Scotland” and the associated witch craze in Edinburgh is a dark and complex chapter in Scottish history, tied to religious, social, and political upheavals of the 16th to 18th centuries.
Scotland experienced one of the most intense witch hunts in Europe, with thousands accused, tried, and executed for witchcraft.
Edinburgh, as the political and religious heart of Scotland, was a focal point for these events.
Background – The Witch Craze in Scotland
The Scottish witch hunts spanned roughly from 1563 to 1736, peaking during periods of social and religious instability. The passage of the Witchcraft Act of 1563 under Mary, Queen of Scots, made witchcraft a capital offense, aligning Scotland with broader European fears of witchcraft driven by religious reformations and moral panics.
The Protestant Reformation, particularly under John Knox’s influence, intensified fears of the devil and supernatural forces, framing witchcraft as a direct threat to Christian society.
The witch craze was fuelled by:
- Religious fervor: The Presbyterian Church, dominant after the Reformation, promoted strict moral codes and saw witches as agents of Satan.
- Social tensions: Economic hardship, famine, and disease were often blamed on witchcraft, with accusations targeting marginalized groups like women, the poor, or those seen as “outsiders.”
- Political motivations: Witch hunts were sometimes used to settle scores or consolidate power, with accusations often spiraling into mass trials.
Scotland executed an estimated 1,500–2,500 people for witchcraft (though some estimates suggest up to 4,000), with women making up about 85% of the accused. Edinburgh, as a legal and cultural center, was a hotspot for trials and executions.
Edinburgh’s Role in the Witch Craze
Edinburgh was central to the witch hunts due to its status as Scotland’s capital, home to the Court of Session (the highest civil court) and the Privy Council, which oversaw many witchcraft cases. Key aspects of Edinburgh’s involvement include:
- Execution Sites: Castlehill, near Edinburgh Castle, and the Grassmarket were primary locations for public executions. The Witches’ Well, a small memorial fountain on Castlehill, commemorates the hundreds executed there.
- Prisons and Trials: Accused witches were often held in the Tolbooth, a prison and court near St. Giles’ Cathedral. Trials relied heavily on confessions, often coerced through torture.
- Cultural Impact: Edinburgh’s witch hunts left a lasting mark on its history, with stories of accused witches like Geillis Duncan (from the North Berwick trials) and Euphemia MacCalzean becoming part of local lore.
The witch craze reflects a period of fear, superstition, and patriarchal control in Scotland. Women, particularly those who were healers, midwives, or nonconformists, were disproportionately targeted, highlighting issues of gender and power. Edinburgh’s role as a hub of these persecutions has shaped its historical narrative, with modern tours, exhibitions (e.g., at the Edinburgh Dungeon or Mary King’s Close), and memorials keeping the stories alive.
