In 1661, Margaret Allan, a resident of Newhall in Bathgate, Linlithgow, found herself embroiled in the tumultuous witch trials of early modern Scotland. Margaret, who appears to have been living and working in the home of the laird of Newhall, faced grave allegations tied to the mystical and the malevolent. Her ties to the laird's household are ambiguous in socio-economic terms, as records mention her husband possessing land, yet it was Margaret herself who became entangled in accusations of witchcraft. Among the charges brought against her was the alarming claim that she had participated in witches' meetings—a grave accusation that placed her in dangerous territory during this era of heightened fear and paranoia.
The local laird took on the role of prosecutor in Margaret's case, yet the proceedings took an unexpected turn. Instead of pursuing a penalty that could have ended in dire consequences, the laird opted for a negotiated resolution—banishment. This act of leniency required that Margaret leave Newhall and promise to conduct herself with good behavior. The trial, held in Edinburgh, concluded with this agreement on November 14, 1661, sparing Margaret from further judicial action as long as she adhered to its terms. This outcome underscores the complex interplay of power, property, and personal relations that could sway the course of justice in such fraught times.
Margaret's name emerges again in records as she is mentioned by other women—Anna Kemp, Bessie Davidson, Bessie Dickson, Elizabeth Smyth, and Margaret Ker—as an accomplice in separate trials. Her association with these individuals suggests the extensive reach of the witchcraft allegations within her community. Additionally, there were claims of property damage, indicating that animals and the entirety of estates were allegedly affected by her supposed witchcraft. These assertions reflect the broader societal fears of the period, where misfortunes of all kinds might be laid at the door of those charged with practicing witchcraft. Through Margaret Allan's story, we catch a glimpse into a past where suspicion and survival were often intertwined, leaving a shadow over lives that history is just beginning to illuminate.