Agnes Mortoune appears in the annals of early modern Scottish history as one of the many individuals swept up in the fervor of the witch trials that characterized the period from 1563 to 1736. Married and residing in the village of Riccarton in Ayr, Agnes finds her name listed in connection with accusations of witchcraft, a fate that befell numerous women of her time. Her case is recorded on the 6th of April, 1658, a date that signifies her involvement in the deeply complex and often perilous judicial process of the time. Agnes's trial proceedings are noted in the Ayr Court, as detailed by the porteous rolls, legal documents that listed those summoned for trial.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, Agnes Mortoune's case takes an unusual turn, as historical records indicate that she was "not to be found," suggesting that she became a fugitive rather than stand trial. This detail adds a dimension of mystery to her story; whether her absence was due to deliberate evasion or other circumstances remains unrecorded. For many accused during this intense period, the outcomes were grim, with a number of trials leading to severe penalties. However, Agnes's decision to abscond, as implicated by the historical documentation, highlights a potentially different trajectory—a flight from a judicial system notorious for its harsh judgments and a society gripped by fear and suspicion. While much about Agnes Mortoune's life remains obscured, her case is emblematic of the precarious existence faced by those accused of witchcraft in 17th-century Scotland.