The historical record of Gretchach Unchach, who resided in Wick, Caithness, provides a glimpse into the turbulent period of Scottish witch trials in the 17th century. According to the records, she was listed on a "fugitive list," indicating that she was an accused witch who had chosen, or been forced, to evade capture by the authorities. The inclusion of her name in such a list suggests that Gretchach was a part of the judicial process at some point, yet her ultimate fate remains particularly elusive, as the case details recorded in Larner et al.'s 'Source-book' come without a clear resolution. The complexity of Gretchach's circumstances is further compounded by the lack of modernisation of her name, which emphasizes the challenges in tracing her story comprehensively through historical documentation.
The trial records, labeled under "T/LA/1934", note her as a fugitive from the circuit court. This implies that despite attempts by judicial officials to apprehend her, Gretchach managed to avoid standing trial, a not uncommon occurrence when fear of harsh punishments for witchcraft charges overshadowed the possibility of exoneration. The absence of detail in the trial outcome may reflect both the limited bureaucratic reach of the time and the considerable fear that possible retribution incited in the accused. The broader context of 1655 in Scotland was marked by religious and social upheaval, with trials such as these often fueled by local disputes, societal tensions, or scapegoating during periods of societal distress. Gretchach's case appears to embody these dynamics, illustrating the precariousness of individuals' lives accused of witchcraft in early modern Scotland.