Michaell Erskine, a miller residing at Newbattle Milne near Edinburgh, stands out in the annals of the Scottish witch trials not only because he was a man, but because of the particular circumstances of his case. Being of middling socioeconomic status, Michaell found himself ensnared in the deadly machinery of 17th-century Scottish justice. The records from April 2, 1630, detail the grim proceedings that would seal his fate in a period of history marked by suspicion and fear of witchcraft.
Michaell's ordeal began with his imprisonment in a structure described as a "little hous abone the end of Newbottle Kirk," an innocuous enough setting that nevertheless served as the starting point for his legal troubles. The choice of this location, rather than the steeple, suggests it might have been a place specifically designated for holding those accused of witchcraft. It was recorded that during his confinement, Michaell was subjected to sleep deprivation, a method intended to extract confessions from the accused. This method proved to be effective, as records show that Michaell eventually confessed on November 5, 1629.
The trial, which took place in Edinburgh, concluded with a verdict of guilty, leading to a sentence of execution. The method, typical of the period, was both to strangle and burn, a punishment meant to deter others and underscore the severity with which alleged witchcraft was viewed. Michaell Erskine's story is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals during one of Scotland's most turbulent historical periods, revealing much about the societal norms and judicial practices of early modern Scotland.