In the mid-17th century, Alisone Cairnes found herself at the center of a turbulent period in Scottish history, notably during the height of the witch trials. Residing in Berwick, Alisone became one of the many individuals ensnared in the web of suspicion and fear that characterized this era, a time when accusations of witchcraft could upend lives overnight. The records, dating from July 8, 1649, tell us that Alisone was formally accused in a case documented as C/EGD/1332. These accusations placed her among the many women subjected to the intense scrutiny and societal pressure that accompanied the witch hunts.
Alisone's trial records, noted under T/LA/1020, do not reveal intricate details of the proceedings; however, they indicate that she stood trial during a period of heightened paranoia. It was a time when the judicial system grappled with differentiating between the supernatural and the superstitious, often relying on testimonies that blurred the lines of truth. Alisone's story becomes a singular account that contributes to the broader tapestry of Scottish witch trials, reflecting the societal tensions of the period. While the particulars of the charges and the trial's outcome remain scant in the historical brief, Alisone Cairnes' presence in these records is a testament to the trying times that challenged many and offers a glimpse into the lives of those who lived through Scotland's witch trials.