In January 1670, James McPhee found himself ensnared in the web of Scotland's witch trials, a period fraught with fear and superstition. Residing in the parish of Kingarth on the Isle of Bute, James became embroiled in accusations that reflected the oppressive societal and religious tensions of the time. His case, recorded under number C/EGD/1895, is briefly mentioned in John Gilmore’s doctoral thesis, "Witchcraft and the church in Scotland," though details are scant.
Despite the lack of comprehensive information about the specifics of the accusations against him, the context of 17th-century Scotland provides some illumination. During this era, communities were gripped by the perceived threat of witchcraft, often rooted in deep-seated local grievances or theological disputes. Kingarth, like many other communities, would not have been immune to the waves of witch hunts that swept across the country. James's accusation might have stemmed from personal vendettas or suspicions fanned by the fervent religiosity of the time, as churches played a significant role in the propagation and adjudication of witch trials.