In the mid-17th century, during a tumultuous period in Scottish history characterized by both a heightened fear of the supernatural and complex legal proceedings, Marshall Sutherland found himself enmeshed in the web of suspicion that marked Caithness and beyond. Residing in the northern town of Wick, Marshall's life took a dramatic turn in 1655 when he was accused of witchcraft—a dire indictment at the time, fraught with peril and social stigma.
The records, notably appearing in Larner’s 'Source-book' as part of a fugitive list from JC17/1, provide scant detail but indicate that Marshall Sutherland evaded capture, a common occurrence for those accused of witchcraft. By being listed as "a fugitive," it suggests that Marshall might have fled, perhaps fearing the outcomes faced by many accused under similar circumstances—outcomes that often included imprisonment, torture, or execution.
The entry in the Survey of Scottish Witchcraft does not include Marshall Sutherland, and the outcome of his case remains unknown. However, the fact that he was recorded as a fugitive in trial notes suggests that he either remained elusive or that his fate was resolved outside the formal court system, a testament to the chaotic nature of justice during the period of the Scottish witch trials. Marshall's story, like many others during this era, underscores the pervasive fear and uncertainty that cloaked daily life for those living in early modern Scotland.