In the mid-17th century, during a turbulent era for Scotland characterized by political unrest and societal upheaval, Cirstine Ballantyne, also spelled Ballantine or Bannatine in various documents, found herself entangled in the witch trials that swept through the region. Residing in Bute, an island located in the Firth of Clyde, Cirstine's life intersected with the wider fear of witchcraft that had gripped much of Europe. On January 28, 1662, her case was recorded, marking the beginning of a harrowing ordeal within the justice system of the time, as indicated by the records under the case number C/EGD/1542.
Cirstine's trial, recorded under the registry T/JO/1891, would have been a significant event for the small community of Bute, reflecting both the local and widespread anxieties about witchcraft. This period in Scottish history, from 1563 to 1736, saw thousands of individuals accused and tried for witchcraft, often leading to severe punishments if found guilty. Though the records provide limited insight into the specific accusations or evidences against her, they nevertheless illustrate Cirstine's tragic involvement in a historical narrative marked by fear and superstition. Her story, like those of many others accused during this time, underscores the profound impact of the witch trials on Scottish society.