Margaret Loche, a resident of Eyemouth in Berwick, faced accusations of witchcraft during the turbulent witch trials of early 17th-century Scotland. Her ordeal began formally on July 16, 1629, when she was brought before the authorities on charges, including maleficium, indicating the use of harmful magic, and participation in witches' meetings. Such charges were serious, given the era's heightened fears of witchcraft and the belief that gatherings of witches were plots against the moral and social order.
The trial records from case C/EGD/674 show that Margaret's situation was precarious, as on July 22, 1629, a confession was documented. The nature of coercion or persuasion used during her interrogation cannot be deciphered from the records, but the severe approaches of the time suggest she faced tremendous pressure. Margaret’s name appears in the confessional testimonies of others, notably being denounced by Agnes Falconer, Janet Liddel, and Margaret Ballame. This web of accusations highlights the interconnectedness of cases and the ripple effect one allegation could have in the tightly-knit communities.
Moreover, Margaret Loche's case features prominently in the statements of both alleged accomplices and denouncers, including Jonet Dick and John Adam, and notably, the Sinclairs—Patrick and Aleson—indicating a complex network of alleged partnerships and accusations. Such connections were typical in witch trials, where communal tensions and personal grievances often intermingled with the legal proceedings. Despite the condemnatory statements against her and others like Alexander Hammiltoun, the fate of Margaret Loche after these trials remains obscured within the historic annals, her story a testament to the perilous lives of those entangled in the witchcraft accusations of the time.