In the mid-17th century, amidst the harsh and unforgiving landscape of Caithness, the town of Wick became the somber backdrop to the case of Gilbert Mowat. Gilbert, a married man residing in Wick, found his name inscribed on a fugitive list, suggesting he had been accused of witchcraft. The records, gathered from the Circuit court and noted by historians such as Larner, identify his case under the reference C/EGD/763 of the year 1655. Although the specific details of the accusations and the proceedings remain elusive, this inclusion indicates the broader societal fear and suspicion that prevailed during this era in Scotland.
The historical record, as noted in the 'Source-book,' intriguingly describes Gilbert's case as having been processed, yet the outcome remains shrouded in mystery. Whether Gilbert managed to elude capture altogether or if his fate was sealed by less formal means is unknown. What is certain is that he was part of a larger, tumultuous period in Scottish history, where accusations of witchcraft could swiftly alter the course of one's life. Gilbert's presence on this fugitive list serves as a testament to the depth and intensity of the witch trials in early modern Scotland, an era marked by fear, suspicion, and the complex interplay of community, law, and supernatural belief.