In the heart of 17th-century Scotland, during a time when fear and superstition intertwined with the justice system, Barbara Drummond found herself enmeshed within the lattice of the witch trials that swept through the nation. Residing in the Tenendry of Kilbryde in Stirling, Barbara's ordeal began when accusations of witchcraft led to her imprisonment—a common fate for many during this period. The historical records offer a fragmentary but telling account of her prolonged struggle within the judicial system. On December 20, 1664, Barbara was due to face trial for alleged witchcraft in Edinburgh. However, the record states that the diet—meaning the session or scheduled meeting—was deserted by the order of the Privy Council. Rather than proceeding in Edinburgh, her case was referred back to her home jurisdiction, emphasizing the reluctance or inability of the authorities to resolve the matter promptly.
Despite the initial setback, Barbara's plight did not ease quickly. The Privy Council records from 1666 and onward reflect her repeated petitions for a resolution, highlighting the inordinate length of her imprisonment without trial. The situation grew increasingly complex as more commissioners were appointed to her case, yet no progress toward a trial was evident. The enduring nature of her incarceration without formal charges or evidence being presented must have been a considerable strain on both Barbara and her family. Finally, on May 7, 1667, over two years after her situation first came to public attention in Edinburgh, Barbara appealed personally to the Privy Council again. Her pleas culminated in her release, though she remained obligated to attend any future trial when summoned. This order encapsulates a significant chapter of the legal conundrums faced by those accused of witchcraft, serving as a poignant reminder of the precariousness of justice amid the tumult of 17th-century Scotland.