Scottish Witchcraft Trials — debunking myths and misconceptions

Philip Paris

Victoria Hall, Cromarty

Scotland was not alone in persecuting people for witchcraft during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, yet it was particularly ‘diligent’ in this and, per head of population, people were five times more likely to be accused of witchcraft here than in most of Europe. Academics estimate that of the approx. 2,500 people who were executed for witchcraft in Scotland, 84% were women. How did ordinary folk going about their daily lives find themselves in court facing a possible death sentence? Come along to Philip’s talk and find out!

Fearn-based author Philip Paris is best known for his historical fiction, The Italian Chapel, and non‐fiction, Orkney’s Italian Chapel: The True Story of an Icon, concerning the famous building in Orkney, built by Italian POWs during WW2. However, his work is varied, ranging from Men Cry Alone, an award-winning contemporary novel about domestic abuse, to Casting Off, a novel about residents in a Highland care home. For several years he has been researching the Scottish witchcraft trials for his latest historical ction, The Last Witch of Scotland, which was inspired by the extraordinary story of Janet Horne, the last person in Britain to be executed for witchcraft (Dornoch, 1727). The book was published in April this year by Black & White Publishing.

All are welcome to this meeting. Admission is by donation £5 suggested.

Cromarty History Society normally meets on the the third Tuesday of each month, September - April and occasionally during the summer.