In the mid-17th century, the village of Craigie in Ayrshire found itself embroiled in the widespread witch trials that gripped Scotland. On April 6, 1658, Marion Symsone stood accused of witchcraft, her name appearing prominently on the court list for that day's proceedings in Ayr. Historical documents record her presence in what would have been a stressful and fraught legal encounter, though the specifics of the charges leveled against her remain elusive within the extant records.
The summoning of Marion for trial was indicated by her inclusion in a porteous roll—a formal list that recorded individuals required to appear in court, dated March 31, 1658. Such rolls were crucial documents in the legal administration of the period, ensuring that the accused were notified of their need to present themselves for judgment. The same roll encompassed others accused within the same year, reflecting the heightened scrutiny and fervor of witch-hunting activities during this time.
While the historical records stop short of detailing the trial’s outcome, they capture a moment in which Marion Symsone was thrust into the perilous judicial process faced by many accused of witchcraft. Her story is a poignant reminder of the precarious position of individuals who were subject to the complexities and often-perilous outcomes of early modern Scottish witch trials.