Margaret Sonnes, a 55-year-old resident of Fala in Haddington, found herself embroiled in the intense climate of the Scottish witch trials of the late 17th century. Accused of witchcraft, Margaret's case appeared before the courts in 1678, marking the culmination of suspicions that she had been in the Devil's service for three decades. The historical records recount how Margaret faced grave charges, including attending witches' meetings—a common accusation in such processes, reflecting the era's societal fears and religious dogma.
On November 4, 1678, Margaret stood trial in Edinburgh, during which her confession was central to the proceedings. Her earlier confession on July 24 of the same year likely influenced the trial's trajectory and eventual outcome. The fact that multiple individuals, including Andrew Hud and Jannet Henryson, mentioned her as an accomplice suggests a network of accusations, a testament to the interconnected web of suspicion and fear during these times. The trial was adjourned briefly before concluding on November 6, 1678, when the court delivered a guilty verdict. Margaret was sentenced to execution, a tragic fate befalling many accused in this period of Scottish history.
Margaret's narrative finds echoes in the accounts of other accused individuals, such as Margaret Dods and Alison Rae, emphasizing the communal aspect of these trials. As with many of her contemporaries, the details of her accusations remain etched in the records, providing a glimpse into the lives that were irrevocably altered or ended during this dark chapter in Scotland's past. Through these documents, Margaret Sonnes' story serves as a poignant reminder of the complex social dynamics and harsh realities faced by those accused during the witch trials.