In the midst of the tumultuous period of Scottish witch trials, Margaret Porteous, a widow residing in Edinburgh, found herself ensnared in the burgeoning fears that plagued the nation during the 17th century. Records indicate that she may have hailed from the nearby areas of Gilmerton or Liberton, suggesting a background within the rural communities that often bore the brunt of witchcraft accusations. On September 6, 1661, Margaret was charged with attending a witches' meeting, a grave accusation that could lead to dire consequences. However, her case took an unusual turn, as she was ordered to be released from prison on the condition that she abstain from any form of charms, sorcery, or witchcraft henceforth.
The trial proceedings held on August 7, 1661, reveal the complexity and uncertainty surrounding her case. It appears Margaret did not progress to a full assize, with the charges against her possibly dropped before the trial could reach a conclusion. Prior to this, a confession was recorded on July 29, 1661, only to be retracted at a later date, showcasing the intense pressure and coercive environment in which such confessions were often obtained. Pre-trial evidences were provided by two women and two men, though details of their testimonies are sparse in the surviving records.
Her name gained notoriety as she was mentioned as a "Known Witch" by several individuals in other trials, including Agnes Bowie, Cristine Bell, and Gilbert Wynd, amongst others. This indicates a network of accusations and a social web connecting Margaret to other accused individuals, a common pattern in witch trials where testimonies of others fueled the judicial process. Despite these associations, Margaret's release, albeit conditional, suggests a measure of doubt or lack of decisive evidence against her. Her story reflects the broader societal pressures and dynamics of accusation that typified this dark chapter in Scotland’s history.