In the autumn of 1679, William Stewart of Stobo, Peebles, found himself entangled in the turbulent tide of Scotland's witch trials. Despite the fearsome reputation these trials held across the nation, the record of William's case reveals a unique instance of judicial proceedings abruptly ceasing their pursuit. Listed under case number C/EGD/814, William Stewart appeared before authorities on the 26th of September. The terse notation in the records – "diet was deserted" – indicates that the formal action against him was inexplicably discontinued.
During this period, many accused faced grim fates, but for William Stewart, the trial at Peebles concluded unexpectedly with his release. The trial documents, referenced as T/LA/1185, confirm the cessation of the trial on the same day it commenced, signifying that the prosecution did not advance, and any charges against him were effectively dropped. Though details on the circumstances leading to the desertion of his case are scant, his release marked a relatively rare outcome amidst a backdrop where accusations often led to severe penalties.
William’s case exemplifies the varied nature of Scotland's witch trials and the erratic justice that could be meted out when local fears intersected with legal systems. While many faced tragic ends, the abandonment of proceedings in Stewart's case left him to continue his life in Stobo, away from the shadow of persecution that had momentarily loomed over him.