Michaell Erskine, a miller residing at Newbattle Milne near Edinburgh, found himself ensnared in the fervor of witchcraft accusations that swept through Scotland in the early 17th century. As a middling member of society, Erskine's role as a miller placed him in a pivotal position within the local economy, yet it was his misfortune that led to suspicion falling upon him. Documented as having been held captive in "a little hous abone the end of Newbottle Kirk," it is within these confines—likely not in the steeple but nearby—that his grim ordeal began.
The record reveals that Erskine was subjected to sleep deprivation, an established method of coercion during witch trials designed to weaken a person's resolve and compel confession. His confession was eventually obtained on the 5th of November, 1629, notably outside the harsh and formal courtroom setting, indicating the intense pressure he must have faced. By April 2, 1630, Erskine stood trial in Edinburgh, and the verdict rendered him guilty of witchcraft. On the same day, he faced the ultimate punishment: execution by strangling followed by burning, a common end for those condemned of witchcraft, meant not only to punish but to purify and deter.