Robert Erskine, known colloquially as Johnne of Logy, emerged from a position of considerable social standing as the heir apparent of Dun. His life, rooted in the upper echelons of early 17th-century Scottish society, took a dark turn as he found himself embroiled in the turbulent witch trials that swept through Scotland from 1563 to 1736. His case, recorded on December 1, 1613, intersected with the broader fears and complex legal and social dynamics of the era. Despite the generalized charge of witchcraft, Erskine's subsequent execution was ultimately for the crime of poisoning, marking a divergence from the more typical charges leading to a witchcraft execution.
The trial of Robert Erskine did not unfold in the familiar chambers of the High Court, yet it was notable for its assemblage of prominent individuals, including the Lord Advocate, who drove the prosecution. Erskine's trial featured prominently within the judicial mechanisms of the time, underscored by the presence of high-status figures serving on the assize. The details of his trial suggest an intricate interplay of power, influence, and the prevailing legal practices. His recorded confession indicates some admission or acknowledgment of the charges brought against him during the process.
Robert's fate, sealed with a verdict of guilty and culminating in his execution by beheading at the Mercat Cross, echoes the severe consequences of allegations during this period. The gravity of his offenses, as perceived by the judicial authorities, extended further with his mention in accusations involving Johnne Kirk, George Kirk, Gilbert Campbell, and Jonet Irving as accomplices. These associations reflect the pervasive network of suspicion that often surrounded witchcraft cases, highlighting the intricate and often perilous social connections and accusations that characterized such trials.