In the autumn of 1661, Margaret Allan of Newhall, Bathgate found herself accused of witchcraft, a charge that would thrust her into the infamous witch trials of Scotland's early modern period. Married, and possibly of uncertain economic status, Margaret lived and worked for the laird of Newhall. Her involvement in his affairs seems complex, as records suggest her husband once took part in land transactions, hinting at a family embroiled within the precarious local economies and power dynamics of the time.
Her case, documented under the records dated November 14, 1661, came forth with accusations of attending a witches' meeting. This was a grave charge, one often entailing severe punishment. However, her prosecution took an unexpected turn when the local laird, serving as her prosecutor, agreed to abandon the claims under specific conditions. Margaret was ordered banished, as long as she adhered to a stipulation of 'good behaviour' and never set foot within the bounds of Newhall again. This unusual settlement spared her the full consequences typically expected from such accusations.
Margaret's name resonates through the records of other trials, appearing as a supposed accomplice alongside several other women: Anna Kemp, Bessie Davidsone, Bessie Dickson, Elizabeth Smyth, and Margaret Ker. The allegations extended beyond personal conduct, implicating her in broader claims of witchcraft involving the damage of animals and estates. Her case sheds light on the intricate social entanglements within Scottish communities during the witch hunt era, where relationships and reputations could pivot on the unstable axis of accusation and influence.