In the mid-17th century, amidst a wave of witch trials sweeping Scotland, Edward Dickson found himself ensnared in the paranoia and fear that gripped the nation. Residing in the town of Haddington, Edward became one of many accused during a fervor of witchcraft accusations, primarily driven by the testimony of James Welch, a significant and influential figure in these proceedings. On April 17, 1662, Edward was summoned as part of a larger group denounced by Welch, a move that set the wheels of legal action in motion against him.
The historical records reveal that due to Edward's relatively young age, the judicial authorities decided against a formal trial, opting instead for imprisonment. Despite his youth, the authorities took great interest in Edward's confession and the names he supposedly provided. Such denunciations were common during this period, often extracted under duress, and weighed heavily in the prosecution of witchcraft suspects. While Edward was spared immediate trial, his imprisonment reflected the gravity with which his case was handled and the broader context of the witch trials, where even those on the fringes of innocence could not escape the prevailing hysteria.