Anna Grey, a resident of Bankheid in the parish of Dalry, Ayr, found herself enmeshed in the witch trials that pervaded 17th century Scotland. At the age of 45, Anna had been reputed as a witch for some twenty years, a moniker that was likely steeped in a complex amalgam of local folklore, superstition, and perhaps personal disputes that were characteristic of the period. The historical record notes that while Anna claimed her residence in Bankheid, she was known to frequent, or "haunt," the parishes of Keith and Dalry — particularly the latter, which might have contributed to the aura of mystery or fear surrounding her.
On September 16, 1679, Anna's case came to the fore as she appeared on a fugitive list composed of individuals tasked with presenting themselves at the circuit court, an indication of the legal framework under which such accusations of witchcraft were pursued. The record denotes that she was released on caution, suggesting that Anna had either supporters who vouched for her or the means to satisfy the bond required for her release. This course of action stood against the often grim outcomes faced by those similarly accused during this tumultuous chapter in Scottish history, hinting at complexities in the social or legal standing of Anna Grey. Her presence in the judicial system of the time encapsulates the precarious intersection of local superstition and legal prosecution that characterized the witch hunts.