In the remote and windswept isles of Shetland during the early 18th century, Andrew Ratter of Calvister found himself ensnared in the labyrinth of suspicion and fear that marked the witch trials of the period. On June 11th, 1708, Andrew was formally accused and brought to trial under the jurisdiction of the Shetland presbytery—an area known contemporaneously as Scalloway or Lerwick. This case shines a light on one of the more unusual aspects of the witch trials, as not all accusations pertained to the stereotypical dark arts or malevolent sorcery, but rather to matters that intruded upon the tangible aspects of daily life, such as agriculture and livestock.
The charge against Andrew was that of causing property damage, specifically targeting the animals in his community. In a society heavily reliant on livestock for survival, the wellbeing of animals was not only of economic importance but also a matter of survival. Hence, any perceived threat to their welfare could easily escalate into grave accusations. The detailed records of Andrew's trial under the case file (T/JO/1280) reflect the era's profound anxieties, as well as the tendency to interpret unexplained misfortunes through the lens of witchcraft.
During his trial held within the confines of Shetland's legal and religious framework, Andrew Ratter would have faced an intense scrutiny from both peers and authority figures. While the historical records do not provide a detailed account of the trial's proceedings or its outcome, they nonetheless encapsulate a moment where societal tensions, suspicion, and the essential necessity of livestock intertwined, encapsulating the very essence of the witch trials that swept through Scotland.