James Anderson, a resident of Aberdeen, finds himself inscribed into the annals of Scottish history as one of the many individuals caught in the web of witch trials that swept across the country during this turbulent period. His case, documented to have occurred in November of 1670, offers a glimpse into the obscure and often chaotic nature of record-keeping of the time, as it remains indexed in historical sources despite the physical absence of tangible records in the presumed archives.
James's trial is listed as case number 579, according to references in Larner’s well-known but sometimes erratic 'Source-book' on witch trials. It is noted in this case that the surveyors attempted to locate the corresponding documents within a specific archive box deemed JC26/40, only to find that it actually appeared to contain records primarily from the following year, 1671. This peculiar misalignment in documentation aptly reflects the broader uncertainties and challenges faced by historians in unraveling the narratives of those accused of witchcraft in 17th-century Scotland. Unfortunately, the available records do not divulge the particulars of the accusations against James, nor do they illuminate the final outcome of his case, leaving a question mark upon his fate amidst a period marked by fear, suspicion, and societal upheaval.