In the late autumn of 1649, the town of Jedburgh in Roxburghshire found itself in the grips of yet another witchcraft trial, as David Tullie was brought before a tribunal under suspicion of practicing witchcraft. The Scottish witch trials, which had gained momentum since the enactment of the Witchcraft Act of 1563, were an all too familiar affair for the people of this border region, reflecting the prevailing fear and suspicion that swept through communities in times of social and religious upheaval.
The trial, noted in the records as T/LA/2078, provides a glimpse into the events that transpired as David was questioned about his alleged activities. Although the detailed accusations against him are not listed in the surviving documents, a confession was recorded, which was a common outcome in these tribunals. Confessions were often obtained through intense interrogation, and in many instances, they were given under duress. The nature of David's confession, what he admitted to, or the manner in which it was elicited remains shrouded in the mystery characteristic of many such historical accounts.
David's case, documented as C/EGD/2051, stands as a testament to the era's pervasive climate of fear and the rigid social dynamics that characterized the Scottish witch trials. The proceedings in Jedburgh not only reflect the localized hysteria but also underscore the broader societal anxieties pervasive in 17th-century Scotland. As with many accused during this time, the personal experiences of David Tullie are largely lost to history, leaving only fragmentary official records to provide insight into his fate.