48 unnamed witches

Case Reference: C/JO/2860

Case Summary
Case RefC/JO/2860
Case Start Date28/11/1649
Case Date29/12/1649
Common Name48 unnamed witches
Characterisation
TypePrimarySecondary
Implicated by Another
Not Enough Info

SourceReferenceNotes
Biggar Presbytery recordsCH2/35/1
Case Notes
48 unnamed individuals were accused by Janet Coutts (C/EGD/1817) after she was searched by George Cathie. The presbytery of Biggar were sceptical about her testimony and brought her to confront those she had named. They found many inconsistencies in her account and after prayer she confessed that she had only accused innocent people because Cathie had promised to prolong her life if she did so. The 48 individuals were therefore not pursued any further. The case against them was dropped by the presbytery on 29/12/1649.