Margaret Kincaid was a resident of Linlithgow, a historic town nestled between the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Her life came under the harrowing scrutiny of the Scottish witch trials in the late 17th century, a time when fear and superstition cloaked the land. The specifics of her trial are recorded under case number C/LA/3079, with proceedings initiated on the 27th of November, 1679. These records offer a glimpse into this turbulent period, reflecting the societal and judicial processes that marked the era.
Margaret's journey through the legal system was abruptly curtailed, as she tragically passed away while imprisoned. Such an outcome was not uncommon, as the conditions in jail were often harsh and unforgiving, inadequate for sustaining life for those awaiting trial or sentencing. The charge against her was entered into the records under trial number T/LA/1472, indicating the formal proceedings that were underway before her untimely death. Her story is a solemn reminder of the harsh realities faced by those entangled in the witchcraft accusations of the time, a period marked by fear, suspicion, and legal fervor. Margaret's death in custody underscores the profound consequences of the witch trials, echoing the broader narrative of this dark chapter in Scottish history.