In the late 17th century, the village of East Kilpatrick in Renfrew was home to Margaret Fulton, a woman of middling socioeconomic status who found herself caught in the tumultuous witch trials sweeping through Scotland. Described in the records as an "indweller" of East Kilpatrick, Margaret's life became inextricably linked to the infamous Renfrewshire witch trials of 1697. These trials aimed to root out suspected witches in the region, and Margaret was among the seven individuals brought to trial out of more than 28 accused.
The charges laid against Margaret were severe, centering around her alleged participation in witches' meetings—a claim that evidently weighed heavily in the judicial proceedings of the time. Margaret first appeared before the justice courts on the 13th of April, 1697, where her case was a part of a larger wave of accusations fueled by societal fears and the fervor of witch hunts. Her trial, however, was postponed until May 12th, initiating a week-long judicial process that culminated in a guilty verdict on May 19th. The trial took place in Renfrew, where Margaret defended herself in what must have been an incredibly tense and challenging environment.
After a verdict of guilt, Margaret faced an uncompromising sentence of execution. On the 10th of June, 1697, she met her fate at Gallow Green, where she was strangled and then burned, a common execution method for those convicted of witchcraft during this period. Margaret Fulton's tragic end reflects the harsh realities of an era rife with fear and superstition, where individuals like her were ensnared by societal panic and suffered the ultimate consequence.