Nicholas Buchanan, a woman residing in Killearn within the shire of Stirling, found herself entangled in the witchcraft trials that plagued early modern Scotland. Born in a time when accusations of witchcraft could swiftly spiral into life-threatening ordeals, Nicholas's story stands as a compelling account of the precarious existence faced by many during this era. According to the historical records available, Nicholas was initially listed as a fugitive from Dumbarton. However, documents consistently affirm her roots in Stirlingshire, suggesting some confusion surrounding her case's jurisdiction.
The case against Nicholas reached a critical juncture on January 5, 1680, when she was ordered to appear before the High Court in Edinburgh. Interestingly, documentation from a previous Dunbarton porteous roll, dated September 5, 1679, reveals that her trial proceedings—a "diet" in legal terms—had been deserted, indicating that the case might have lacked substantive evidence or credible witnesses. As she stood trial, the High Court ultimately decided to desert the dittay, effectively releasing her from the specter of conviction. The specific details of the accusations against Nicholas have not survived in the historical record, and it remains unclear what prompted the original charges.
The resolution of Nicholas Buchanan's case without a conviction was not a guarantee during a period in Scottish history when the mere accusation of witchcraft could often lead to dire consequences. Her release from the charges not only underscores the variability and, at times, uncertainty of the legal processes of the day but also provides a glimpse into the lived experience of those caught in the throes of such trials. The cessation of her prosecution offers a rare, albeit partial, restoration to the life she knew before the shadow of the witch trials loomed over her existence.