In the late 17th century, a period marked by religious fervor and societal turmoil, Margaret Ewing of Stonybull in Renfrew found herself embroiled in the infamous witch trials that swept across Scotland. Margaret, a married woman whose life within the close-knit community should have been unremarkable, became entangled in accusations of sorcery, most notably attending a witches' meeting—a charge that often hinted at gatherings under the cover of darkness where alleged sinister plans were brewed.
Margaret's case was part of the broader tapestry of the Renfrewshire witch trials of 1697, a particularly notorious outbreak of witch-hunting fever in Scotland. Her ordeal began on April 13, 1697, when formal charges were brought against her, thrusting her into a precarious situation that women across the nation feared. The historical records recount that her trial started over a month later on May 19, 1697, in the town of Renfrew. Despite the gravity of the accusation, which frequently resulted in severe punishment including execution, Margaret's case took an unexpected turn.
According to the trial notes, Margaret Ewing was released on caution on the same day as her trial. This suggests that either evidence against her was found insufficient, or she benefited from some leniency not extended to many of her contemporaries. The specific conditions of her release are not detailed in the surviving records, but the absence of further proceedings implies that the charges were not pursued. Margaret's ability to return home stands as a rare occurrence during a time when such allegations often ended tragically. Her release underscores the variability and sometimes unpredictable nature of witchcraft trials in early modern Scotland.