In the late 16th century, Gelie Duncan, a resident of Haddington, found herself entangled in one of the most intense witch trials of the time, as recorded in several historical documents from 1591. Charged with participating in a witches' meeting, Gelie Duncan's case marked her involvement in the infamous North Berwick witch trials—an episode that reflects both the fears and the fervor of early modern Scotland. These trials were distinguished by their notable associations, implicating many as accomplices in a shadowy network said to encompass sorcerous gatherings.
Gelie Duncan's confession, preserved in the records of 1591, divulges her purported interactions with a series of alleged witches. Among those implicated were high-profile figures such as Francis Stewart, Earl of Bothwell, along with others like John Fean, Jonet Straton, and Agnes Sampsoune, each embroiled in accusations of conspiracy and witchcraft. The list of her alleged accomplices paints a picture of wide-reaching and perilous social connections. Duncan was deemed an accomplice by various defendants, and the breadth of her purported associations highlighted the collective anxiety over dark arts and malevolent assemblies that troubled society at the time.
Moreover, the case against Gelie included allegations of property damage, specifically involving boats—a detail that echoes the era’s typical suspicion of witchcraft causing unexplained misfortunes or loss. As her name appears repeatedly in the accounts of co-accused individuals, Gelie Duncan’s story serves as a vivid testament to the widespread panic and intricate judicial proceedings surrounding witchcraft in 16th-century Scotland. Her ordeal offers a somber glimpse into an era where accusations could swiftly cast individuals into webs of intrigue and danger far beyond their control.