In 1644, amidst the tense atmosphere of the Scottish witch trials, a woman named Margaret Dauling from Queensferry, Linlithgow, found herself at the center of serious accusations. This era was marked by intense scrutiny and fear of witchcraft, with communities often turning to the courts in response to perceived threats. Margaret’s case, recorded under reference C/EGD/2344, entered the legal system at a time when societal and religious pressures fueled suspicion and led to numerous trials for those accused of witchcraft.
Margaret's trial, documented under trial record T/JO/522, unfolded in a period where the judicial system was steeped in both religious and cultural influence. Despite the significant social and legal pressures that often culminated in convictions, the proceedings concluded with an uncommon outcome—acquittal. This decision meant that Margaret Dauling was found not guilty of the charges pressed against her, allowing her to return to her life in Queensferry. Her acquittal is a notable entry in the annals of the Scottish witch trials, reflecting a moment where the court moved against the prevailing tide of condemnation that characterized this dark chapter in history.