In the late 17th century, amidst the pervasive atmosphere of fear and suspicion during the Scottish witch trials, Margaret Supp found herself embroiled in a matter that was both alarming and life-threatening. Residing in the growing community of Port Glasgow, a region recently amalgamated with Kilmacolm, Margaret's name surfaced in a notorious case involving allegations of witchcraft. She was implicated by a young girl named Margaret Murdoch from the parish of Govan, who claimed to be tormented by witches. Murdoch, the daughter of John Murdoch of Craigtown, had pointed fingers at numerous individuals, which brought their lives into uncertainty and panic.
Although Margaret Supp's name was implicated in these grave accusations, historical records indicate that formal proceedings against her never fully materialized. On April 22, 1699, in Glasgow, a combination of one man and three women testified, casting suspicion upon her. Nonetheless, the case notes reveal that while Margaret was under scrutiny, she avoided the fate of a formal trial, which often led to severe punishments or execution for those found guilty of witchcraft during this period. She was examined amidst both medical and religious scrutiny, though the details of these examinations or the reasons why proceedings halted remain unknown.
Interestingly, the records hint at a possible familial connection, as another woman, Agnes Supp, from the same locality, was also mentioned in the broader context of witchcraft accusations. While the familial link remains speculative without further documentation, it reflects the often communal and expansive web of accusations that characterized the witch trials. Margaret Supp's case, in its unresolved state, highlights the precarious and often arbitrary nature of witchcraft allegations during a time when fear could easily overshadow justice and reason.