In the tapestry of early modern Scotland's witch trials, the case of Robert Erskine stands out, not only due to his upper socioeconomic status but also because of the complexities that surrounded his trial. Known locally as Johnne of Logy, Robert was the heir apparent of Dun, a position that afforded him a degree of influence and privilege rare among those accused of witchcraft during this era. However, his status did not shield him from the gravity of the charges levied against him. On December 1, 1613, Robert faced trial, prosecuted by the Lord Advocate, underscoring the seriousness with which his case was treated.
The trial was unmistakably marked by its high-profile nature, with numerous prominent individuals seated on the assize. Although the records do not specify the precise location of his trial, nor do they confirm it was held at the High Court, the consequences were nonetheless severe. Found guilty on charges not solely limited to witchcraft, the crux of Robert's downfall was linked to an accusation of poisoning. The undercurrents of his trial also mentioned his alleged association with individuals like Johnne Kirk, George Kirk, Gilbert Campbell, and Jonet Irving, who were implicated as his accomplices. This interweaving of witchcraft and other crimes illustrates the often conflated and complex accusations of the time.
Ultimately, Robert Erskine's fate was sealed at the Mercat Cross, where he was executed by beheading. The execution was the culmination of a process that, while ostensibly about witchcraft, ultimately centered on the charge of poisoning. His confession, provided in the same year, adds another layer to the somber narrative, indicating a moment of reckoning or resignation. The intertwining of witchcraft accusations with direct criminal acts like poisoning reflects the multifaceted nature of justice in 17th-century Scotland and leaves a storied imprint on the historical record.