In the spring of 1568, James Kilgour, a resident of Perth and hailing from the district of Stormont in Perthshire, found himself embroiled in a harrowing episode that marked the darker chapters of early modern Scotland. Accused of witchcraft, James was an unusual figure in a period where the majority of those accused were women. His case, listed under the records as C/LA/3400, highlights a rare but noteworthy instance where a man stood trial on such charges.
The sparse records, including the trial reference T/LA/2268, provide little detail about the specific accusations or proceedings James faced. Nonetheless, they affirm his entanglement in the judicial mechanisms of the time. The Perth locale, with its tensions and traditional beliefs, was not isolated from the widespread witch hunts prevalent in Scotland during this era. While the documentation does not elaborate on the outcome, the mere presence of James in these records underscores the climate of suspicion and fear that permeated society, where communities were quick to levy accusations under duress or suspicion of maleficium.
James Kilgour’s story, as brief as the records may be, offers a window into the complexities of early Scottish witch trials. His case serves as a reminder of the period's broader social anxieties, reflecting how men—less commonly than women—could also find themselves accused under the sweeping and capricious shadow of witchcraft. It draws attention to the intricate web of local tensions and the precariousness of life during a time when hearsay could easily disrupt lives and reputations.