Beigis Tod, a resident of Longniddry in Haddington, was thrust into the turbulent tides of Scotland's witch trials at the age of 39. Accusations dated back to 1594, suggesting a longstanding suspicion of her involvement in witchcraft. By 1608, Beigis was formally charged with maleficium, or harmful magic, and attendance at a witches' meeting. Her trial took place on the 27th of May in Edinburgh, where the wheels of justice, as they were then understood, turned swiftly against her.
The archival records detail how Beigis was entangled alongside several individuals denoted as accomplices. Her case seemed to resonate beyond her own presence, with people like Jokkie Gray-meill denouncing her and others, such as Cristiane Tod, Ersche Marioun, Johnne Gordoun, and Margaret Dune, allegedly tied to her infamous acts. The allegations against Beigis extended to tangible incidents of property damage, including harm to both boats and ale—a grave concern in maritime and brewing-centric communities.
Despite being cleared of one charge, the trial records reveal that Beigis was convicted on two counts and was sentenced to execution by strangulation and burning—a harsh and all-too-common fate of those judged guilty of witchcraft in early modern Scotland. The specifics of her charges and the details of her trial encapsulate a period characterized by suspicion and fear, where accusations of witchcraft could swiftly lead to fatal consequences. The case of Beigis Tod stands as a solemn testament to the intense social, religious, and legal pressures of the time, capturing the perilous realities faced by those enmeshed in the witch trials of that era.