Margret Simson, a resident of Cromarty, found herself embroiled in the turmoil of Scotland's witch hunts during the summer of 1662. On the first of August that year, her case was officially documented, and she became one of the many individuals caught within the broad legal nets cast during this tumultuous period. The records denote a trial held under the vague designation "T/JO/1014." Unfortunately, the trial notes have not been preserved, leaving historians with precious little insight into the specifics of her trial proceedings or the nature of the accusations levied against her.
What remains accessible is a confession recorded a month prior to the official trial date, in July 1662. The details of her confession are not contained within the surviving records, but its existence suggests a potential prelude to the later formalities of her trial. Under the prevailing judicial practices of the time, confessions were often extracted under duress or influence, reflecting the pervasive climate of fear and suspicion. Margret's story, like that of many others accused during this era, echoes the broader societal tensions and the harsh realities faced by those ensnared in the web of witchcraft accusations.