In the waning years of the 17th century, John Robertson found himself embroiled in the tumultuous and dangerous world of witchcraft accusations in Scotland. Residing in Govan, Lanark, John was connected to a family already touched by these dark suspicions, as his mother bore similar accusations, possibly threading their fate with other local figures such as Janet Robertson and Anna Hill. The family's patriarch had passed away before these events unfolded, perhaps leaving John vulnerable in the volatile social landscape of the time.
The case against John unfolded notably on the 22nd of April, 1699, when he was named by Margaret Murdoch, a young girl from Govan plagued by claims of torment at the hands of witches. Margaret, the daughter of John Murdoch of Craigtown, became a central figure as she listed numerous alleged tormentors. Her reports commanded attention from authoritative voices, as her sufferings were scrutinized by a doctor and several ministers. This period was marked by an atmosphere where the confluence of local fears and authoritative pressures could swiftly escalate suspicions into accusations.
Despite these ominous mentions, historical records do not confirm that formal proceedings advanced against John Robertson. A single man did give testimony against him in Glasgow, yet the outcome of these potential legal machinations remains obscured, leaving John's ultimate fate uncertain. His story serves as a testament to the diffuse and often arbitrary outcomes of witchcraft accusations during this period, reflecting the precarious nature of life under the shadow of such allegations. The lack of further records suggests that John might have avoided the grim fates suffered by many accused during the witch trials, although the absence of clarity offers little in the way of resolution.