In the late 17th century, Marion Hislop, a married woman residing in Crichton, Edinburgh, found herself entangled in the complex and perilous dynamics of a witchcraft accusation. According to the historical records, Marion was one of several individuals cited in the Edinburgh Porteous Roll of delinquent dittays—a record that included the ominous allegations of witchcraft, sorcery, and necromancy. The accusation also extended to the severe charge of renouncing baptism and purportedly giving themselves over to the Devil. Such charges were not uncommon in the fraught atmosphere of early modern Scotland, where fear and suspicion often fueled accusations of witchcraft.
In July 1683, Marion stood trial in the circuit court alongside G. Penman and others from Crichton, all of whom were similarly accused. The Edinburgh Porteous Roll referenced Marion's case, underscoring the severity of the charges as it listed her along with co-accused individuals marked for purported witchcraft and necromantic practices. However, the records also highlight an interesting aspect of her trial: a marginal note indicating that 'all absent and resited,' meaning that Marion, along with her co-accused, was absent from the proceedings.
The absence of Marion Hislop and the others marked a significant moment in the trial. While the records do not provide further details on the outcomes for Marion specifically, her case reflects the complexities and often tragic circumstances faced by those accused of witchcraft in Scotland during this period. The brief glimpse into her story reveals the precarious nature of life for those ensnared in accusations during a time when fear of witchcraft pervaded communities.