In the mid-seventeenth century, during the tumultuous period of the Scottish witch trials, Janet McNaught found herself ensnared in the fervor surrounding allegations of witchcraft. Residing in Dumfries, Janet, whose name also appears in records as McKnacht, was likely originally from Kirkcudbright, a detail that suggests she was part of a broader community affected by the witch hunts. Janet's trial was held on April 4, 1659, in Dumfries, a region actively involved in the pursuit and prosecution of suspected witches during this era.
The charges against Janet included participation in a so-called witches' meeting, a common accusation suggesting engagement in diabolical gatherings. Despite these grave accusations, Janet pleaded not guilty. However, the court found her guilty, resulting in a grim sentence to execution. The method of execution was notably severe; Janet was to be strangled and then burnt, a testament to the harsh penalties enforced during this period against those convicted of witchcraft.
Janet McNaught's trial and subsequent execution highlight the pervasive fear and suspicion that characterized this era of Scottish history. Notably, the record alludes to Janet being mentioned in other trials, including those of Jonet Miller and Jannet Corsan, indicating the interconnected nature of these accusations within close-knit communities. Through the preserved courtbook notes, Janet's case stands as a poignant reminder of the tragic outcomes of the witch trials, with many lives like hers irrevocably altered by the weight of public fear and judicial determinations of the time.