In the mid-17th century, during the turbulent years of the Scottish witch trials, Jonet Coutts found herself at the center of a major witch hunt that enveloped the counties of Peebles and neighboring Biggar. Born and residing in the small village of Netherurd in Kirkurd, Jonet came under the scrutiny of the authorities at the age of 51. Records indicate that Jonet confessed to having made a pact with the devil 26 years prior to her trial, a claim that set the wheels of the judicial process in motion. Her case became notably significant, as she played a controversial role in identifying alleged witches, naming approximately 88 individuals during her examinations by the presbyteries of Peebles and Biggar. Despite her allegations, there is evidence that the religious authorities, charged with overseeing such inquiries, looked upon her activities with skepticism.
The intensity of the witch hunt surrounding Jonet Coutts culminated in a trial held in Peebles on November 21, 1649. Having been found guilty of witchcraft, Jonet ultimately faced the grim sentence of execution. The trial records indicate that her testimony and the breadth of accusations she levied against others contributed heavily to the proceedings and the spread of fear in the surrounding communities. Although she was initially questioned again by the presbytery on January 4, 1650, records from April of the same year suggest that Jonet had died by that time. Her case underscores the fraught and often ambiguous nature of witch trials, where confessions and accusations intertwined to create a perilous environment for many.