In the early 18th century, the spectre of witchcraft accusations loomed large over the Scottish populace, a period marked by fear and suspicion. Within this context, Christian Wilkieson of Greenlaw, a town situated in Berwickshire, was drawn into the complex web of local and ecclesiastical judicial proceedings. The specific year had reached 1708 when charges were levied against Christian, accusing her of "charming" and witchcraft—a term broadly applied at the time to various forms of purported supernatural or malevolent activities.
The case record (C/EGD/826) for October 1708 indicates that Christian was subjected to the severe scrutiny characteristic of the witch trials of the period, despite being in the waning years of such fervent persecutions. The trial notes (T/LA/1253) document that, rather than facing the rigors of the court in person, Christian was declared a fugitive. This designation reflects either an inability or refusal to present herself to answer the accusations before the authorities. The label of fugitive carried significant weight, casting Christian outside the protective bounds of societal and legal norms, which often led to dire consequences for those declared as such.
Christian's plight exemplifies the precarious position of those accused of witchcraft during this time. The mere allegation was often sufficient to devastate a person's reputation and lead to severe social ostracism. While the records do not detail the outcome of these charges or whether Christian was ever apprehended or found sanctuary, her story remains a poignant reminder of the turbulent intersection between fear, superstition, and justice in early modern Scotland.