In the year 1628, a woman by the name of Elspeth Simsoun found herself at the centre of a tumultuous period in Scottish history defined by widespread fear and the tragic witch trials. Residing in the small community of Badarrach in Kincardine, Ross, Elspeth was married at the time of her accusation. The records of the case, indexed as C/EGD/1050, reveal that her trial took place against the backdrop of a society rife with suspicion where accusation alone could have dire consequences.
On the 18th of November in that year, Elspeth was brought before the local authorities under the case name Simsoun, Elspeth. The trial itself, documented as T/LA/597, would have followed the procedures common to such cases during this period, involving an inquiry into her actions and character. While the historical records do not provide a detailed account of the specific charges or the outcome of her trial, they serve as a poignant reminder of the turbulent era marked by fear of witchcraft—a narrative that swept through Scotland and touched the lives of many, including Elspeth Simsoun. Her story, like so many others from this time, underscores the profound impact of the witch trials on individuals and communities across the region.