In the late summer of 1678, Margaret Lowis of Humbie, Haddington, found herself at the center of a tragic chapter in Scotland’s history. At the age of 36, Margaret was formally accused of witchcraft, a charge that carried dire consequences during a period rife with fear and superstition. Historical records reveal that she had lived under suspicion for 11 years, a lengthy period during which her reputation was shadowed by accusations that eventually culminated in her appearance before the courts in Edinburgh.
The trial took place on the 13th of September, 1678, with the Lord Advocate serving as the prosecutor. Margaret was found guilty of the charges brought against her. Her confession, documented on both the 11th and 13th of September, likely played a significant role in the proceedings, though the specifics of these confessions are not detailed in the surviving records. The swift progression from trial to execution reflects the harsh and unforgiving nature of justice in this era. On the 18th of September, just five days after her conviction, Margaret was executed by strangulation, followed by burning—common methods intended to serve as both punishment and public deterrent.
Margaret Lowis's life and subsequent death highlight the harsh realities faced by those accused of witchcraft in 17th-century Scotland. Her story, though familiar in its cruelty, reminds us of the weight of reputation and suspicion in times when the supernatural was feared and the cry of witchcraft was potent enough to end a life.