In the early 17th century, the case of Thomas Carlipis unfolded against the backdrop of Scotland's notorious witch trials, reflecting the era's complex interplay of power, fear, and superstition. Thomas, a man of upper socioeconomic standing, served as a highly trusted servant to Laird John Colquhoun, a figure of notable influence and power in Dunbarton. Despite his role as a servant, Thomas was more than just a household functionary; he held the significant positions of a guild brother and a burgess, which afforded him a respected status within the community. This confluence of occupations placed him in a unique position, navigating between the worlds of servitude and social privilege.
The trial records from Edinburgh on the 1st of November 1633, list Thomas Carlipis in a case that stands out for its unusual nature, described as "a very strange, high-level case." Such language suggests that the accusations against him were intricately bound with his associations with figures of power, like Laird Colquhoun, who found himself similarly enmeshed in allegations of witchcraft. Uniquely, this trial did not follow the standard procedures of the court because neither Thomas nor Laird Colquhoun appeared for their trial.
Their absence led to a most severe consequence; they were "put to the horn," a legal term signifying that they were declared outlaws and rebels, with their possessions forfeited to the crown—a process known as being "escheated." This punishment underscored the gravity of the charges and the judicial system's persistence in enforcing its decrees, regardless of the absent parties' defense. The case of Thomas Carlipis thus remains a poignant example of the intersection of social hierarchy, legal proceedings, and witchcraft accusations during a tumultuous period in Scottish history.