In the heart of the 17th century, amidst the turbulent backdrop of the Scottish witch trials, James Doddes of Linton, Peebles, found himself ensnared in the pervasive fear and suspicion that characterized the era. The records from November 6th, 1649, document his trial, yet details about the exact accusations and proceedings remain sparse. Linton, a small parish in Peebles, would have been a close-knit community where whispers could easily ignite into accusations of witchcraft. Such trials were not uncommon in Scotland, where the passage of the Witchcraft Act of 1563 had intensified the scrutiny of individuals exhibiting unexplainable or unconventional behaviours.
The Doddes' household was particularly marked as both James and his wife faced allegations of witchcraft, suggesting a dual focus on their domicile by the authorities or local community. This joint accusation indicates the possibility that any activities or misfortunes attributed to witchcraft within the household were enough to cast suspicion upon both husband and wife. While the trial record (T/LA/2035) does not elaborate on the evidence or the testimonies provided, it signifies a moment when James Doddes' life was profoundly affected by the prevalent fears of his time. This snapshot into James' life encapsulates the precarious position many found themselves in during the witch hunts, as societal anxieties often targeted those on the margins or those whose circumstances or relationships made them vulnerable to suspicion.