Thomas Carlipis, an upper-class servant residing in Dunbarton during the early 17th century, found himself embroiled in one of Scotland's more peculiar witchcraft accusations. Not just any servant, Thomas held a position of notable esteem, serving as a trusted aide to Laird John Colquhoun, a man of substantial standing who himself faced allegations of sorcery. Remarkably, Thomas was described as both a guild brother and a burgess, revealing his integration into the fabric of local civic as well as social life. Such connections highlight the unusual nature of his case, given that the witch trials often ensnared individuals from more marginalized segments of society.
On the 11th of January, 1633, Thomas was summoned to Edinburgh for trial, charged with the serious offense of witchcraft alongside others of significant standing. However, his situation took a dramatic turn when he failed to appear before the court. His absence led to severe consequences; Thomas was 'put to the horn,’ a formal declaration that labeled him an outlaw and a rebel. This legal pronouncement effectively stripped him of his civil rights and properties, a sentence known as being excheated. The records provide no further detail regarding Thomas's fate following this declaration, but being put to the horn represented a complete societal exclusion, a stark contrast to his previously entrenched civic roles as a guild brother and burgess.