In the spring of 1697, amidst the turbulent era of Scottish witch trials, Margaret Ewing of Stonybull, Renfrew, found herself ensnared in the sweeping tide of witchcraft accusations that gripped the region. Margaret, a married woman, stood accused of participating in a witches' meeting—an allegation that placed her among other unfortunate souls entangled in the infamous Renfrewshire witch hunts of that year. These accusations often stemmed from local tensions, fears, and sometimes even personal vendettas, reflecting the pervasive superstition and societal tumult of the time.
Margaret's encounter with the judicial system began in earnest on April 13, 1697, when she was formally indicted. Her case progressed swiftly, culminating in a trial held on May 19, 1697, in Renfrew. The records from this period illuminate the procedural aspects of her trial but reveal little about its emotional or personal toll. Ultimately, Margaret's trial concluded with her release on caution—a legal assurance akin to bail—on the very same day, suggesting that the charges against her may not have been rigorously pursued, or perhaps they lacked sufficient evidence. Although recorded, the absence of further legal action indicates that Margaret Ewing's brush with infamy was somewhat atypically brief in a time when such accusations could lead to much harsher consequences.