In the mid-17th century, during a period marked by heightened tension and fear in Scotland, a woman named John Mylne came under suspicion in Inveraray, a settlement located in the broader region of Aberdeen. On September 6, 1658, Mylne was formally accused of witchcraft, a grave charge that often led to a harsh and grim fate during this era. The accusations against individuals like John Mylne emerged from a complex web of social dynamics and local folklore, which frequently harboured deep-seated fears of malevolent supernatural influences.
Mylne’s case was recorded in the Aberdeen Roll, an official ledger that kept track of those accused of such crimes. However, in an outcome that was relatively uncommon for those accused of witchcraft, the trial notes succinctly indicate that the 'diet was deserted.' This legal term suggests that the prosecution did not proceed to formally present the case, resulting in the dismissal of the charges against her. Such an abandonment might point to a lack of evidence or a possible change in the circumstances surrounding her accusation, though the records do not provide further details surrounding this decision.
The instance of John Mylne serves as a testament to the tumult and uncertainty surrounding the witch trials in Scotland during the early modern period. It illustrates the precarious nature of such accusations and the fortunate, albeit rare, possibility of escaping the full force of legal proceedings in a time marked by fear and suspicion.