Alisone Cairnes, a resident of Berwick, found herself ensnared in the complexities of the Scottish witch trials during the tumultuous mid-17th century. This was a period marked by heightened religious fervor and socio-political upheaval, creating a fertile ground for suspicions and accusations to take root. On the 7th of August in 1649, Alisone's name appeared prominently in the historical records as part of a legal case identified as "C/EGD/1332." This case marks the beginning of her ordeal as she was formally accused of witchcraft—an accusation that could bring severe consequences in that era.
The trial records of Alisone, catalogued under "T/LA/1020," provide a glimpse into the legal proceedings that would have unfolded around her. The year 1649, when Alisone stood trial, was particularly significant in Scottish history; it was a time when the country was deeply influenced by the aftermath of the English Civil War and the execution of Charles I, events that intensified fears and uncertainties. These cultural undercurrents often propelled communities to seek scapegoats for their misfortunes, with accusations of witchcraft frequently targeting those, like Alisone, who stood out for any reason. While the surviving records may not detail the outcome of her trial, they place Alisone Cairnes squarely within this historically charged climate, emblematic of the period's struggle to discern and prosecute perceived malevolence within its midst.