In the mid-17th century, amidst the rolling landscapes and small villages of Perthshire, Scotland, Margaret Keltie found herself ensnared in one of the dark episodes of Scottish history—the witch trials. Margaret resided in the Crook of Devon, a village notable for being one of the fervent centers of such trials during this period. The year 1660 marked a significant point in her life when she was formally accused of witchcraft, a charge that often carried dire consequences.
The historical record categorizes her case under the reference C/EGD/1365. Unfortunately, the specific details of the accusations or the proceedings against her remain elusive in the surviving documents, as the records note an absence of corroborated references in existing secondary sources related to Margaret’s ordeal. This lack of detailed archivability is not uncommon; many cases from the era rest on fragmented documentation, causing much about the fates of individuals like Margaret to remain enshrouded in mystery.
Margaret’s story is emblematic of the uncertainty that surrounded many accused during the witch hunts in early modern Scotland. Her charge in 1660 places her at a time post-English Civil War, where both religious and civil tensions might have played roles in fueling such accusations against community members. While specific outcomes for her case are unrecorded here, Margaret’s narrative is a poignant reminder of the shadows cast by fear and superstition in Scottish history.