In the tumultuous atmosphere of 17th-century Scotland, where fear and suspicion often mingled with the thread of everyday life, the case of John Mylne stands as a poignant example of the witch trials that swept through the region. Residing in Inveraray, Aberdeen, John—a woman despite the traditional male name she bore—was caught up in this wave of paranoia and accusation on the 6th of September, 1658. The historical records, while sparse, provide a glimpse into her brush with the forces of law and societal judgment that characterized the witch trials of the period.
John's encounter with the judicial system of the time is encapsulated in both the case and trial records. The Aberdeen Roll, a document archiving numerous such incidences, notes her presence in the docket on that fateful September day. Her trial, however, took a turn not uncommon in this period of heightened hysteria: it was marked by the note "Diet deserted." This notation indicates that the proceedings against John were abandoned, a fortunate outcome that suggests she escaped the severe consequences that befell so many others accused of witchcraft during this era.
The record does not elaborate on the reasons behind the abandonment of her trial. This omission leaves a gap in understanding the specific circumstances of her case, whether it was a lack of evidence, intervention on her behalf, or some other factor. Nonetheless, John's brief but significant entry into the annals of the Aberdeen Rolls highlights the precarious position of those accused of witchcraft in early modern Scotland—living under the shadow of potential persecution, yet occasionally granted reprieve from its grasp.