Margrat NcWilliam, a resident of Corsmoire in Rothesay, Bute, found herself embroiled in the turbulent witch trials of 17th-century Scotland. At the age of 56, Margrat was accused and investigated for witchcraft in 1662, with the local records chronicling her case in considerable detail. Significantly, the accusations against Margrat were not a one-time intrigue; she was first scrutinized back in 1649, suggesting that the community harbored lingering suspicions or grievances towards her. Margrat confessed multiple times, with records noting confessions on February 14 and February 28 of 1662, and again in May of the same year.
Alongside these personal allegations, Margrat’s familial bonds seemed to deepen her entrenchment in the witchcraft accusations. Her daughter, Katharin Moore, and grandson were also ensnared in the same web of suspicion, highlighting the often intergenerational nature of witchcraft accusations during this period. The charges against Margrat were compounded by allegations of property damage, specifically to dairies and crops, indicating the community's perception of her influence over agricultural misfortunes.
Margrat's case gained notoriety through numerous denunciations. She was named by no fewer than 14 individuals, including John Gely, Elspeth Gray, and Margaret NcLevin, among others. These denunciations reflect the widespread fear and intricate social dynamics of the time, where accusations could rapidly multiply and surge through small communities. As the records show, Margrat's life and those of her family members were drastically affected by these accusations, a haunting testament to the broader societal tensions and the grim legacy of the Scottish witch trials.