A history of Scottish Witches by Mary Craig

Come along to The Outhouse, (12A Broughton Street Lane, Edinburgh), 6.30pm doors open for drinks and conversation; 7pm start on Thursday 28th May 2026. There will be some food provided on the table, and you are invited to bring along an item of food to put on the table and take away what is left at the end. After the break there is a second talk you are welcome to stay for.

### Title of talk:

A history of Scottish Witches

### Bullet points of what you would like to talk about:

• witchcraft and belief
• magic and the faeries
• the role of the kirk
• the role of the courts

### A few paragraphs on your subject:

A History of Scottish Witches: The Devil’s Handmaidens is a compelling talk that explores the persecution of alleged witches in Scotland between 1563 and 1736. It examines how a potent mix of religion, politics, and fear created the conditions for one of the most intense witch-hunting periods in Europe. Drawing on the influence of figures such as John Knox and James VI of Scotland, the talk considers how authority and belief combined to shape attitudes toward witchcraft.
At the heart of the discussion is the transformation of everyday magical and fairy beliefs into something far more sinister. What had once been part of ordinary life became recast as evidence of Devil worship, driven in large part by the Scottish Kirk’s growing obsession with demonic influence. Using vivid examples from trial records and so-called witch confessions, the talk reveals how these ideas were enforced and sustained through both religious and legal systems.
The talk also highlights the social dimensions of the witch hunts, particularly the ways in which societal expectations of women left them especially vulnerable to accusation. It explores how the instability of the Reformation and the Wars of the Three Kingdoms intensified these pressures, creating an atmosphere in which suspicion and fear could thrive. Ultimately, it asks why so many people came to believe that the Devil was an ever-present threat, how this widespread panic took hold, and what finally brought it to an end.
In reflecting on the impact of this period on ordinary people, the talk offers a thoughtful consideration of its lasting significance. It invites audiences to think about what these events reveal about the power of belief, the dangers of moral panic, and the lessons this history might still hold for society today.

### A few paragraphs about you:

I am Mary W. Craig, a writer and historian living and working in Scotland. I am a former Carnegie scholar and a graduate of the University of Glasgow.
In my non-fiction writing I explore various aspects of the history of northern Europe; most notably how political changes affect people’s lives and how individuals and communities react to those changes. I have a particular interest in the women and men accused as witches in 17th century Scotland.

### What free internet knowledge resources would you recommend ?

The Survey of Scottish Witchcraft: witches.hca.ed.ac.uk
Mary Craig’s website: marywcraig.com
Luath Press: luath.co.uk/pages/mary-w-craig
Pen and Sword Books: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Mary-W-Craig/a/6474

For more information please visit: https://raggeduniversity.co.uk/2026/04/10/history-of-scottish-witches-by-mary-craig/