In the spring of 1628, Steven Malcome of Leckie, a small settlement near Gargunnock in the county of Stirling, found himself at the heart of a contentious inquiry led by local authorities. The records do not elaborate on the specifics of his daily life, but the core of the accusations against him rested on practices associated with "charming and healing," activities viewed with increasing suspicion during this period in Scottish history. It appears that Steven’s reputation or actions had caught the attention of the presbytery, prompting an investigation that would soon spiral into charges of witchcraft.
Records indicate that Steven was also known by the name Steven Maltman, suggesting either a common local variant of his surname or perhaps highlighting a misunderstanding or misidentification by the record keepers, which was not uncommon in the early 17th century. By April of that year, a confession had been procured from Steven, though the specific contents of this confession have not survived in the brief notation available today. Such confessions were often obtained under duress or coercive measures, a testament to the harsh judicial apparatus of the time that sought to curb perceived threats to the community and religious orthodoxy.
Steven's case, documented as trial number T/LA/488, is emblematic of the broader witch trials that swept through Scotland between 1563 and 1736, a period marked by heightened fear of diabolic activities and the supernatural. Although the records leave many questions unanswered concerning the ultimate fate of Steven Malcome, they provide a poignant glimpse into the perils faced by those whose skills or reputations strayed into the realms of the extraordinary—realms where traditional healing could swiftly be rebranded as witchcraft, conspiring against societal norms and exposing individuals to grave dangers.