Marion Robertson, a resident of Fisherrow in Inveresk, found herself entrenched in the turmoil of the Scottish witch trials on the fateful day of September 8, 1679. As historical records indicate, Marion was brought before the authorities in Edinburgh, where her name appeared on the notorious porteous roll—a grim ledger cataloguing accusations of witchcraft, sorcery, and dealings with the devil. These charges were not uncommon in the period, which was rife with fear and suspicion of the supernatural. Accusations of this nature typically included claims of renouncing one's baptism and dedicating oneself, body and soul, to the devil, forming a litany of transgressions that were taken with utmost seriousness by the authorities of the time.
The records on Marion's trial provide scant details, confining her narrative to the brief yet telling notes customary of the porteous rolls. These rolls served as a register of 'delinquent dittays,' essentially indictments that listed the standard charges without elaborate evidence or personal circumstances. Despite this lack of personalized detail, such records reveal the prevailing tensions and the often perilous position of women like Marion living in 17th century Scotland. Her inclusion on this roll highlights the precarious intersection of societal, religious, and gender dynamics wherein accusations could swiftly alter the course of an individual's life, casting shadow over the daily existence of those accused. The records, terse as they may be, encapsulate a moment where historical forces intertwined with the life of Marion Robertson, leaving an indelible mark on her legacy.