Margaret Mathesoun, a resident of Prestonpans in Haddington, became one of the unfortunate figures enveloped by the wave of witch trials that swept across Scotland between the 16th and 18th centuries. Her recorded trial dates back to August 21, 1629, when she stood accused of witchcraft—a charge often rooted in a confluence of superstition, fear, and community tensions. Despite the limited information available on her specific circumstances, the bleak outcome of her trial is clear. Margaret was condemned to be executed by burning, a fate common to those convicted of witchcraft during this tumultuous period.
The case of Margaret Mathesoun finds a lingering echo in history, as it was referenced two decades later in 1649 by Wallace's daughter. This mention suggests that Margaret's ordeal may have left a lasting impression within the community or become a point of reference in later accusations and trials, a not uncommon occurrence as tales of witchcraft were often retold, influencing subsequent cases. Unfortunately, the records do not provide details of the accusations leveled against her or her defense, leaving her story largely confined to the fact of her execution. Nonetheless, Margaret's recorded fate offers a poignant reminder of the fraught societal dynamics and the harsh realities faced by those ensnared by the witch trials in early modern Scotland.