In the year 1633, in the northern coastal town of Wick, within the county of Caithness, a man named Alaster Smith found himself caught in the turbulent and fearful climate of Scottish witch trials. Records from this period, particularly the case designated C/LA/3310, reveal that Alaster was formally accused of practicing witchcraft, a grave charge in a time when such accusations carried severe consequences. The details of Alaster's daily life or the precise events leading up to his trial are sparse, but his involvement in the legal system is documented through the trial record T/LA/2099, dated July 31st, 1633.
The records do not elaborate on the specific allegations against Alaster or the nature of the evidence presented during his trial. However, the setting of Wick, known for its close-knit community and the pervasive fear of malevolent supernatural forces, would have contributed to the intensity of the proceedings. The trials of this era often reflected societal tensions, where personal vendettas and local disputes could find expression in accusations of witchcraft. While the outcome of Alaster's trial remains unknown, his case stands as a testament to the climate of anxiety and suspicion that pervaded early 17th-century Scotland, illustrating the profound impact such trials had on individuals and communities alike.