In the mid-17th century, amidst the backdrop of Scotland's turbulent history with witch trials, Marie Stewart was one of those ensnared in the zealous pursuit of alleged sorcery. Residing in the village of Kilbride on the Isle of Bute, Marie's life took a dramatic turn when she was accused of witchcraft on the 28th of January, 1662. Her case, officially recorded under the notation C/EGD/1537, places her within the period known for heightened anxieties about witchcraft across Scotland, a time when neighborly disputes or misfortunes could swiftly evolve into accusations with dire consequences.
Marie was subjected to a trial cataloged as T/JO/1906, indicative of the legal proceedings she faced as the authorities sought to ascertain the veracity of the claims against her. The precise details of Marie's trial, such as the specific accusations and her defense, remain elusive, yet the mere fact of the trial speaks volumes about the perilous environment for women in particular during this era. The Island of Bute, like much of Scotland, would have been influenced by a mixture of folklore, religious fervor, and societal tensions, all converging to magnify fears of witchcraft. Although the outcome of Marie's trial is not detailed in the extant records, her case remains a testament to the precarious nature of life during Scotland's witch hunt era, where the line between superstition and justice was frequently blurred.