In the late summer of 1590, Violet Auchinlek became embroiled in the turmoil of the Scottish witch trials, a period marked by fear and suspicion spreading across the land. Residing in Crechie, within the parish of Creich in Aberdeen, Violet was a woman of notable social standing, being married into the laird and baron class. Her status, however, did not safeguard her from the pervasive accusations that swept even the most affluent households during this era.
Faced with charges of "consulting," a term suggesting the act of seeking or imparting supposed supernatural counsel or aid, Violet's case was brought before the High Court on August 19, 1590. This allegation, though vague in the historical record, was serious enough to command the attention of the court, necessitating a public trial at the forthcoming justice aire in the Sheriffdom of Aberdeen. What stands out in Violet's case is the assembly of her defence team; a contingent composed of earls and lords. This unusual show of support underscores her connections and the gravity with which her case was perceived. It hints at either the strength of social ties or possibly the contentious nature of her charges which could have implications beyond her person, touching upon the influence and integrity of the socio-political networks of the time.
The trial notes hint at a judicial process marked by complexity and the intense scrutiny of her peers in 1590's Aberdeen. While the records do not disclose the trial's outcome, they reflect a society grappling with pervasive anxieties about witchcraft, juxtaposed against the backdrop of entrenched social hierarchies. Violet's plight illustrates the precarious position of those accused, where even one's standing as a laird or baron was no absolute bulwark against the tides of suspicion in a nation gripped by the fear of witchery.