In September of 1658, the historical records bring to light the intriguing case of John Mylne, a woman residing in Inveraray, Aberdeen. During this tumultuous period in Scottish history, marked by widespread fear and suspicion of witchcraft, individuals like John found themselves entangled in the legal and cultural mechanisms of the witch trials. The records, though sparse, indicate that John Mylne was accused of witchcraft in a case registered under C/LA/3130.
The subsequent trial, noted under T/LA/1569, took place on the same date as the case registration—September 6, 1658. This trial is identified in the historical archives as part of the Aberdeen Roll, a collection of cases documenting the witchcraft trials in the region. However, the proceedings were abruptly halted; the notes tersely state "diet deserted," indicating that the trial did not reach a verdict or conclusion. This phrase typically suggests an interruption in the judicial process, leading to the dismissal of the charges, at least temporarily. For John Mylne, this unexpected cessation of the trial may have marked the end of a perilous chapter, although the incomplete records leave many questions unanswered about the aftermath and its impact on her life.