In the summer of 1597, Geillis Hoggone, a widow residing in the coastal town of Kirkcaldy in Fife, found herself embroiled in the turmoil of the Scottish witch trials. The historical records, as noted within the Kirkcaldy Burgh Court Book, indicate that Geillis was cautioned to appear before the authorities, suggesting that she was formally accused of practicing witchcraft. The records reveal that this episode in her life was not adequately cross-referenced against prominent sources by some researchers, yet they remain part of the broader tapestry of suspicion and fear that characterized Scotland during this tumultuous period.
Geillis's case is registered under the numbering C/EGD/2562, with the specific trial proceedings noted as T/JO/2110, recorded on the 17th of August, 1597. Although details about the accusations or the outcome of her trial are sparse, the mere presence of her name in the court records signifies that she was drawn into the pervasive climate of accusation that swept across Scotland in the late 16th century. During this era, being a widow like Geillis might have compounded the vulnerabilities she faced, as women without the protection or financial stability provided by a husband were often viewed with suspicion. Her cautionary appearance in court records serves as a poignant reminder of the precarious position many found themselves in under the shadow of the witch hunts.