In the late summer of 1679, John Scott, a workman of modest means from Leith, found himself at the center of a dark chapter in Scotland's history. Described in historical records as very poor, John earned his meager livelihood through day labor, a hand-to-mouth existence in the bustling port town near Edinburgh. His only sustenance came from the fruits of his daily toil, reflecting the precariousness of the working class during this period. John’s name emerged in official legal documents when he was brought to the High Court and subsequently indicted for witchcraft, as noted in the circuit court proceedings in Edinburgh. This accusation in itself reveals the era's pervasive climate of fear and suspicion, where even a laborer like John could be entangled in the sinister web of witch trials.
On September 8, 1679, John Scott stood trial in Edinburgh. His case appeared on the porteous roll of delinquent dittays, a collection of standard accusations including witchcraft, sorcery, necromancy, and even the severe charge of renouncing baptism and pledging allegiance to the Devil himself. However, unlike many who faced similar accusations, John's trial concluded with his release, as indicated by the deserted diet. No further proceedings ensued against him after the trial, suggesting either a lack of compelling evidence or a decision by the court not to pursue the charges further. By September 22, 1679, John was again listed on the porteous roll, but records do not show further legal action, allowing him to return to his life in Leith amidst the shadow of the witch-hunting fervor that haunted Scotland in those times.