Katherine Neyne Donald Roy was a woman residing in Ross during a turbulent period in Scottish history when the specter of witchcraft hung heavily over the land. Her name entered the annals of history on October 25, 1577, when she became the subject of a witchcraft trial—a phenomenon not uncommon during the 16th and 17th centuries in Scotland. These trials often capture the swirling fears and social tensions of the time, reflecting widespread anxieties about the supernatural and the complex interplay of religion, folklore, and law.
In Katherine's case, as documented in trial record T/JO/2156, she was brought before the judicial authorities to face the charge of witchcraft—a grave accusation that carried severe penalties, often death. The circumstances and nature of accusations laid against Katherine are typical of others from this epoch, which could include anything from causing harm through magical means to having malevolent connections with the supernatural. The records do not detail the specific allegations or the testimonies presented during the trial, nor do they disclose the outcome of her trial. What they do remind us of is the precarious position women such as Katherine found themselves in, living under the shadow of suspicion in communities where societal norms and fears could quickly turn neighbor against neighbor.