Magdalin Blair, a resident of Stirling, found herself at the centre of a witchcraft trial that unfolded in early 1659. The case against her was one of many during a period when Scotland was gripped by a fervor for rooting out alleged witchcraft. The trial occurred on March 22, 1659, in Stirling, a town integral to the fabric of early modern Scotland due to its strategic significance. It appears that Magdalin's case was part of the North circuit, despite some administrative confusion that originally grouped her trial with those of the South and West circuits.
The proceedings were precipitated by a series of formal denunciations early in January 1659. These denunciations were directed first to a minister and a bailie on January 13, highlighting the involvement of both religious and civic authorities in such cases. The denunciations continued on subsequent days, extending to the provost and another bailie by January 18. Despite the gravity of such formal accusations, Magdalin staunchly maintained her innocence throughout the ordeal, consistently denying the claims brought against her.
When brought to trial on March 22, 1659, Magdalin Blair pleaded not guilty, and subsequently, the court ruled in her favor, delivering a verdict of not guilty. This verdict came despite the collection of witnesses, which had been prepared as early as March 16, 1658. Magdalin’s case, recorded as part of a larger list of individuals accused of witchcraft during that period, serves as a testament to the complex and often perilous legal landscape faced by those accused of witchcraft. Her acquittal amid the witchcraft trials provides a glimpse into the varied outcomes these proceedings could yield, suggesting a legal system at times capable of critically assessing the accusations laid before it.