In the intricate web of accusations that characterize the witch trials of early modern Scotland, the case of Marget Bigland offers a glimpse into the turbulent social fabric of 17th-century Shetland. The records are piecemeal and complex, often complicated by the entangled familial relationships among those involved. Initially noted in the Register of the Privy Council, Marget's case exemplifies how accusations extend through familial and community ties, often leading to confusion in historical documentation. Marget, residing in the remote northern isles of Scotland, is listed alongside relatives Sunna Voe and Molphrie Porteous, though the precise familial relationships remain unclear. Historical texts suggest differing interpretations, implying she could either be Sunna's daughter or the mother of Molphrie.
By the time Marget's case came before the court on January 16, 1673, she was fifty years old, an age where many women were seen as more vulnerable to the suspicions of witchcraft. Unfortunately, the trial proceedings recorded provide scant details, leaving much of her story untold. The lack of detailed trial notes suggests either that the trial did not proceed in a manner typical of more well-documented cases, or that records may have been lost over time. This absence serves as a poignant reminder of the many voices and stories that have faded into obscurity with the passage of time. Nonetheless, Marget Bigland's presence in the historical records embodies the persistent undercurrent of fear and suspicion that characterized this era of Scottish history. Her case highlights the need to understand the broader social dynamics and local tensions that played out during the witch hunts, as well as an acknowledgment of those whose lives were irrevocably altered by these events.