In the autumn of 1670, Margaret Coul of Forfar found herself at the heart of an unsettling episode emblematic of the witchcraft accusations that swept through early modern Scotland. Although the historical records leave much to the imagination regarding the specifics of her alleged crimes, they do offer a glimpse into the mechanisms of local justice during this tumultuous period. Unlike many accused, Margaret's case did not proceed to an official trial. The absence of a formal commission suggests a level of ambiguity or perhaps insufficient evidence for a court proceeding. Despite this, the local presbytery—a governing body of clergy and elders—exerted its influence, resulting in her banishment.
The records of Margaret's ordeal note that she was part of a broader context of witchcraft suspicions, with mentions of unnamed others potentially accused alongside her. This indicates a possible community-wide anxiety or event that spurred the accusations. The lack of specific charges, coupled with the presbytery’s decision, suggests a process driven by local concerns and fears rather than judicial evidence. The authority of the presbytery paints a picture of a society tightly knit with religious structures, where ecclesiastical judgment carried significant weight. Margaret Coul's forced exile likely reflects the intricate interplay between communal unease, ecclesiastical authority, and informal justice prevalent in her time, leaving her fate—a silent footnote in the history of witchcraft in Scotland.