In the year 1662, in the East Lothian town of Haddington, a woman named Janet Symson found herself ensnared in the wide-reaching witch trials that characterized much of early modern Scotland. Her case, referenced in historical records under the case file C/EGD/559, highlights the precarious nature of life during this fraught period, where accusations of witchcraft often stemmed from the most tenuous of associations. Janet was one of many who were denounced by a young man named James Welch, whose youth initially cast doubt on the veracity of his accusations. Despite this, the authorities deemed some of his claims credible enough to warrant further investigation, although Welch himself was imprisoned rather than brought to trial due to his age.
Janet's trial, detailed under trial reference T/LA/1371, represents a period when the confluence of fear, superstition, and religious fervor could easily overturn the lives of individuals and entire communities. It is worth noting that Janet was among a large number of individuals implicated by Welch, suggesting that her accusation was potentially part of a broader sweep rather than an isolated allegation. The records, however, do not delve into the specific charges laid against Janet or the outcome of her trial, thus leaving aspects of her story shrouded in the historical mist that often obscures the lives of those accused of witchcraft. Despite the scant details available, Janet Symson's plight serves as a poignant reminder of the volatile dynamics of accusation and belief in 17th-century Scotland.