Scottish witch trials
Why did the Scottish witch trials begin?
Learn about the background to the witch hunts that took place in Scotland and across Europe in 15th to 17th Centuries.
Why were people afraid of witches?
What powers were witches thought to have and what harm did people fear from them?
What sort of people were accused of being witches?
Anyone could be accused of being a witch, but some people were more likely to be accused than others.
What happened to those accused of being witches?
Find out about the treatment and punishment anyone accused of witchcraft might face.
Case Study: James VI and the North Berwick Witch Hunt
Find out how King James VI became involved in one of Scotland's biggest witch hunts.
Why did the Scottish witch trials end?
Learn about the social, religious and legal changes that brought an end to witch hunts in Scotland and across Europe in the 17th and 18th Century.
How are witches thought of now?
Find out about modern attitudes to witches and witchcraft. How do we view the Scottish witch trials now?
