In the early 18th century, Janet Hairstains found herself at the center of a turbulent series of events that reflected the tense climate of suspicion concerning witchcraft in Scotland at the time. Janet, a widowed woman from Collin in Torthorwald, Dumfries, became entangled in a legal ordeal that would see her name etched in the annals of the Scottish witch trials. The records from 1708 indicate that Janet, perhaps due to rising tensions or personal grievances in her community, faced accusations that ultimately led to her banishment from the presbytery and synod's jurisdiction in Dumfries. Despite her expulsion, Janet seemed a poignant figure of resilience, relocating to various places such as Kirkcudbright and Rockhall, possibly in an attempt to evade the cascading suspicions that trailed her.
Janet’s case resurfaced in 1709 when she was once again scrutinized under the circuit court's purview. Though initially compelled to submit to the judgment of the Dumfries presbytery in 1700—which resulted in her banishment—Janet was now brought forth on allegations that, at some point, involved property disputes or accusations of damaging animals. This was a common charge against those suspected of witchcraft, reflecting a broader societal anxiety towards inexplicable misfortunes. However, the outcome of her trial on May 3, 1709, was markedly different; she was found not guilty and subsequently released, as recorded in the May 4 verdict. This decision perhaps underscored a growing caution in prosecuting such cases or recognized Janet’s situation as unsupported by sufficient evidence. Janet's journey through these trials illuminates not only her personal plight but also the atmosphere of suspicion and its impact on individuals—particularly women—during this tumultuous period in Scottish history.