In the year 1662, Mary Dollour, a resident of Inverness, found herself ensnared in the harrowing web of witchcraft accusations that characterized a turbulent period in Scotland's history. It was on the 9th of April that year that her name was recorded in association with an alarming legal process, marking the commencement of a grim chapter in her life. The trial records concerning Mary’s case, unfortunately, do not provide specific details of the charges she faced, which was not uncommon during this era. However, what is well-documented is the severe ordeal she endured as a result of these accusations.
The historical records lay bare the extent of torture inflicted upon Mary, a brutal practice used during this time to extract confessions from those suspected of witchcraft. In June of 1662, she was subjected to sleep deprivation, a cruel method that often pushed individuals to the brink of madness. Her ordeal did not end there; further torments involved burning her feet, a painful and invasive technique designed to break her resolve. Additionally, she was brutally hanged by her thumbs, whipped, and bound with ropes. These methods of torture, intended to elicit confession or repentance, reflect the harsh realities faced by those implicated in witchcraft during the era.
Mary Dollour's experience is a somber reminder of the intensity of the witch trials in Scotland from 1563 to 1736, a period marked by fear, suspicion, and cruelty. Her story, like those of many others who faced the terror of such allegations, underscores the tragic consequences of the witch hunt mentality that swept through regions like Inverness. Through the recorded fragments of her suffering, we gain insight into the severe measures employed to suppress alleged witchcraft and the enduring impact these events had on communities throughout early modern Scotland.