In the mid-17th century, the small village of Grangepannes in Carriden, Linlithgow became the spotlight of a witchcraft trial involving a local woman by the name of Libra Watt. According to the historical records, her case was formally registered on the 11th of May, 1649, when she faced accusations of practicing witchcraft—a charge that was not uncommon in the fervent atmosphere of fear and superstition that characterized this period in Scotland. Records indicate that Libra was one of the many who came under scrutiny during a time when suspicion of witchcraft could easily ensnare individuals living ordinary lives.
The trial proceedings against Libra reveal a crucial element of the period’s justice system: the importance of confession. In the surviving records, it is noted that a confession was indeed recorded. This document, though not detailed in its preserved form, indicates that Libra may have admitted to the practices or knowledge of witchcraft, whether under pressure or voluntarily, a factor that held significant weight in the trials of that era. Such confessions were often obtained under duress or coercion, reflecting the harsh realities and methods central to witch trials of the time. While the records do not provide further details about the contents of Libra's confession or her ultimate fate, the case file stands as a testament to the tumultuous period of the witch trials in Scotland and offers a glimpse into the lives caught in its grip.