In the late 17th century, a time riddled with suspicion and fear of witchcraft, Mary Grougie's life in Govan, Lanark came under scrutiny when her name emerged amidst an accusation of witchcraft. As the wife of a sailor, Mary occupied a middling socioeconomic position in her community. However, her relatively stable life was disrupted when Margaret Murdoch, a young girl from the nearby parish, claimed to be tormented by witches and named Mary among several others. Notably, Margaret was the daughter of John Murdoch of Craigtown, and her accusations held enough weight to summon the involvement of doctors and ministers for examination.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations against her, the historical records do not indicate that Mary Grougie faced formal charges or was subjected to a trial. On April 22, 1699, within the confines of Glasgow, witness testimony, including statements from one man and two women, referenced Mary. Yet, these testimonies did not culminate in any known legal proceedings against her. Mary's case in the records ends with an air of uncertainty, reflecting how accusations during this period could hang precariously over individuals without ever reaching a definitive conclusion within the judicial system.