In the early 17th century, Christiane Hay resided in the small community of Barrowstouness, also known as Bo'ness, in Linlithgow. It was here, amidst the challenges of life in a Scottish port town, that Christiane became embroiled in one of the witch trials that characterized this turbulent period in Scotland’s history. The records indicate that Christiane's case was formally recognized on the 18th of March, 1624, suggesting a swift movement from accusation to trial which was not uncommon for the time.
The trial record, designated as T/LA/424, provides limited details but signifies that Christiane's life came under intense scrutiny during the execution of legal procedures designed to ascertain her involvement in alleged witchcraft. Trials during this period typically focused on extracting confessions or incriminating statements from the accused, often under severe duress. It is through these trials that Christiane’s experience with the Scottish judicial system of the time would have unfolded, reflecting broader societal fears and the legal framework that allowed for such prosecutions. Her story is a part of the larger historical narrative that saw many, particularly women, find themselves at the mercy of accusations they scarcely understood, shaped by the cultural and religious tensions of the era.