Marie More NcCuill, a resident of the Scottish island of Bute, found herself ensnared in the web of the witch trials that gripped Scotland during the 16th and 17th centuries. Her case, noted under the reference C/JO/3251, commenced on the 28th of January, 1662. This was a turbulent time in the region, following the Union of the Crowns and set against the backdrop of socio-political change and religious fervor, which often fueled accusations of witchcraft.
Records indicate that Marie was subjected to a legal process designated as T/JO/1902. This trial would have likely involved intense scrutiny, given the fear and suspicion that surrounded allegations of witchcraft. The proceedings in such cases were marked by the gathering of testimonies, which often relied on confessions extracted under duress or the accusations of neighbors, amidst a climate where the supernatural was feared and misunderstood.
Marie More NcCuill's experience is a poignant reminder of the intersection between belief, fear, and justice in early modern Scotland. While the records do not provide extensive details about the particular accusations she faced or the outcome of her trial, they nonetheless highlight the pervasive reach of witch trials in the period, affecting individuals across the social spectrum and throughout the regions of Scotland. Her story, as captured in the historical records, stands as a testament to the myriad lives touched by this dark chapter in history.