In the year 1586, a man by the name of James Findlaw found himself at the center of an unsettling episode in early modern Scotland—a time when accusations of witchcraft could swiftly upend lives and cast shadows over entire communities. Married and likely rooted in his local society, James's life took a dramatic turn when he was accused, along with three others, of the grave charge of "consulting," an ambiguous but serious allegation within the realm of witchcraft accusations. The records do not specify the particulars of what consulting entailed, but it often referred to seeking or providing counsel through supernatural means, a practice deeply frowned upon in a period rife with fear and misunderstanding about mystical practices.
The case of James Findlaw, formally documented as case number C/EGD/2106, proceeded to trial—which was recorded under T/LA/1641—held on the 9th of May, 1586. The historical documents do not provide intricate details of the trial's proceedings or the ultimate outcome of these grave charges against James. However, these records suggest a climate of suspicion, where the mere act of associating or communicating with certain individuals could raise doubts about a person’s intentions and affiliations. Charges like those leveled against James could not only isolate the individual involved but also implicate and potentially endanger family and friendships, straining the intricate social fabric of small communities.