In the late 16th century, within the bounds of the County of Aberdeen, the shadow of accusation fell upon Violet Auchinlek, a woman of lairdly station residing in the area of Crechie, Creich. Her case, recorded on the 19th of August, 1590, emerges from a period rife with fear and superstition regarding witchcraft. While many accused faced these dire allegations alone or with minimal support, Violet's circumstances were notably different—her defense was galvanized by the presence of earls and lords, suggesting her connections or standing afforded her a level of support that was uncommon in such trials.
The process leading up to Violet's trial began earlier that summer, with documentation from the 12th of July, 1590, indicating the nature of the accusations: she was charged with consulting, a term often relating to alleged communication or dealings with otherworldly or supernatural entities. The gravity of these charges, paired with Violet's noble connections, set the stage for a significant legal proceeding ordered by the High Court, which was to take place at the following justice aire, a traveling court session that brought judicial proceedings to localities throughout Scotland.
Violet's trial was slated to unfold in the Sheriffdom of Aberdeen, and the involvement of such high-ranking figures in her defense underscores both the social complexities of witch trials in the early modern period and the precarious intersection of class, gender, and justice. The presence of influential defenders, including members of the nobility, points to the intricate networks of support that sometimes intervened in witchcraft allegations, illustrating how certain individuals could navigate their perilous accusations with resources unavailable to the less connected or affluent.