In the year 1597, amidst a turbulent period for those caught within the web of fear surrounding witchcraft in Scotland, a woman named Meriorie Mutche stood accused. Residing in Corstane, a locale within the bustling area of Aberdeen, she was married to a man known as William Ross. The accusations against Meriorie were not new; in fact, they stretched back a decade prior to her trial, a testament to the long-standing suspicions cast upon her. At the age of 35, she found herself enveloped in an ordeal that threatened to alter the course of her life dramatically.
The charges leveled against Meriorie were grave, touching upon significant assets and aspects of livelihood. It was alleged that through her supposed witchcraft, she had caused damage to essential property, namely a plough, and inflicted harm upon animals, as well as the entire estate. These claims were serious, given the importance of agricultural success and livestock to subsistent living during this era in Scotland. Such accusations, if upheld, could bring about severe repercussions both for Meriorie and her husband, embroiling them in a legal environment fraught with peril.
Yet, when Meriorie was brought before the judges on November 21, 1597, the proceedings concluded in her favor. The trial, held in Aberdeen, delivered a verdict of 'Not Guilty'. The records note the term 'clengis' applied to the charges, suggesting each accusation was dismissed. Despite this favorable outcome, the documentation leaves questions lingering about her fate post-trial, as it is uncertain whether she was immediately released. Nonetheless, the conclusion of the trial marked the end of a significant chapter in Meriorie's life, casting aside the shadow of witchcraft that had hovered over her for a decade.