In the midst of the mid-17th century turmoil, Andrew Robisoun of Renfrew found himself ensnared in the widespread hysteria over witchcraft that plagued Scotland. On the 26th of February, 1650, Andrew was brought to trial, a significant moment recorded under the case reference C/LA/2923. His trial, T/LA/1101, is emblematic of an era where fear and suspicion could profoundly alter the course of an individual's life, often based on little more than rumors and local anxieties.
Andrew’s experience reflects the broader societal tensions of the time, where men, though less frequently than women, were not immune to accusations of participating in malevolent magic. The record of Andrew's trial does not provide details of the specific charges or testimonies leveled against him. However, the very fact of his trial underscores the pervasiveness of these fears in Renfrew and beyond, a community undoubtedly on edge from the sweeping uncertainties of the era, including political upheaval and economic distress. The historical remnants of Andrew's trial shine a light on the precarious nature of life during the Scottish witch trials, capturing the pervasive and perilous environment in which ordinary individuals like him lived.