John Lindsay of Baretlock, Renfrew, stands as a solemn figure in the records of the Renfrew witch trials of 1697. This trial series saw over 28 individuals accused, but only seven, including John, were ultimately brought to trial. His case, officially documented on October 6, 1697, marked him with the grim charge of participating in a witches' meeting, a grave accusation that resonated with the fears and suspicions of the era. Despite sharing a common name with another John Lindsay, known as "the Bishop," the records clarify that they were different individuals, underscoring the unique trajectory of John's story within this turbulent period of history.
The trial proceedings commenced on April 13, 1697, in Renfrew, where John's case was rigorously examined over several weeks, culminating in a verdict on May 12, 1697. The ordeal lasted until May 19, a testament to the gravity with which such matters were treated. Found guilty by the court, John Lindsay was sentenced to an execution fateful in both its method and timing. On June 10, 1697, he faced execution through strangulation, followed by burning at Gallow Green, a common practice intended to cleanse both soul and society. John's narrative is enshrined within the tragic tapestry of the Renfrew trials, reflecting the perils faced by those under the shadow of witchcraft accusations in 17th-century Scotland.