Jonet Martin, a woman residing in the small village of Nethergask in Findo Gask, Perth, found herself at the center of a witch trial in the mid-17th century. In the summer of 1662, Jonet was brought to trial on accusations of witchcraft, a common occurrence during a time rife with fear and superstition surrounding such practices. The records from this period offer a glimpse into the harsh realities many faced during the notorious Scottish witch trials, marking an era of intense suspicion and persecution.
The trial of Jonet Martin, documented under case number C/EGD/1518, concluded with a verdict of guilty. The specifics of the accusations against Jonet have not survived, but the outcome was severe; she was sentenced to execution, as noted in the trial register T/JO/934. Her execution, a grim testament to the period's harsh judicial practices, was carried out shortly afterwards. This record highlights the perilous nature of life for those accused of witchcraft during this time in Scotland, where societal fears often led to irreversible and tragic decisions.