A Journey Into Scotland's Witch Trials
- Sarah Magnoni
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
Updated: May 9
I used to be afraid of witches. I wouldn't talk about them, look at them, or even buy cute witches to decorate for Halloween. Then I started realizing that witches were not something to be feared. They were healers, people who were different, and primarily women. Scotland's witch trials in history are very sad.
Read below to see why I selected Scotland for one of our Girls Go Travel Trips. For more information, click here.
The Sacred Landscape of Scotland's Witch Trials
Scotland's misty hills and ancient stones hold secrets of a dark history that has attracted travelers seeking to understand our shared past. Between 1563 and 1736, nearly 4,000 people were accused of witchcraft in Scotland, with an estimated 2,500 executed. This is the highest execution rate in Europe. The overwhelming majority were women.
Contrary to popular belief, these weren't evil practitioners of dark magic. They were healers who used herbal remedies, owned shops, and were members of communities. Some were women suffering from mental illness. Others had physical disabilities or deformities and were mothers of children who were similarly "different." When their herbal treatments helped someone recover, they were praised, but if they didn't, they were accused of being witches.
Our journey through Scotland's witch history isn't merely historical tourism; it's a pilgrimage that transforms how we understand the past and present treatment of women or those who don’t always “fit in.”
Our Path to Understanding
A journey through Scotland's witch history centers around three pillars of historical understanding:
Remembrance - Honoring the memory of those unjustly persecuted
Reflection - Understanding how fear of the unknown continues today
Reclamation - Celebrating the wisdom of women healers across generations
For those seeking this deeper connection to Scotland's past, I recommend staying in a historic property in Edinburgh's Old Town, where you can sense the centuries of history in the worn stone steps and ancient walls. Many buildings witnessed the witch hunt era, creating a profound connection to the past that modern accommodations simply cannot offer.
Visiting historical locations can create a physical reaction as an intuitive who senses energy. My clients and I have been known to break down crying, feel sick to our stomachs, and have headaches.
Sacred Sites to Visit
Edinburgh's Witches' Well - A cast-iron fountain memorial at Edinburgh Castle's walkway marking the site where hundreds of accused witches were executed
Lilias Adie's Grave, Fife - One of the few known graves of an accused witch, buried between the high and low tide marks on Torryburn beach
North Berwick Kirk - The ruins are associated with the infamous North Berwick witch trials that influenced King James VI's obsession with witchcraft
The Scottish Experience
A visit to the Witches' Well in Edinburgh is best in early morning, before the crowds gather at the castle. Standing before this small memorial, you will feel the weight of countless untold stories. For Agnes Finnie, a shopkeeper and moneylender in Edinburgh, accused in 1643, this was her final destination. Several people became ill after arguing with Agnes, and she was charged with having "witched" them. Agnes was found guilty of witchcraft and executed in March 1645.
These women weren't supernatural; they were scapegoats. When floods ravaged crops or storms destroyed homes, communities needed someone to blame. The persecution methods were horrific. These women were strangled, tortured, and set fire to all because they were different, outspoken, or simply unlucky.
The contrast between Edinburgh's history and its vibrant present creates a poignant backdrop for reflection. At the Witch's Well memorial, you will sense an awakening to the injustice that countless women suffered. Standing at this site, you will feel a profound connection to these women across centuries, not fear but respect.
Transformations Witnessed
The most beautiful aspect of exploring this history is witnessing how it changes our perspective:
Recognition of the healing traditions women have preserved through the generations and still do today in certain parts of the world
A deeper understanding of how fear drives persecution, then and now
Reflection on women's stories that history has often silenced or misrepresented the truth
Renewed appreciation for the courage of those who stood against convention
Connection to a lineage of women's wisdom that transcends time and is still a part of our DNA
Creating Your Scottish Witch History Journey
For those seeking this meaningful connection to Scotland's past:
Travel during October for atmospheric conditions with misty mornings, perfect for contemplative exploration
Allow at least 2-3 days in Edinburgh to immerse yourself in the city's complex history
Create time each day for reflection about what you've witnessed
Consider joining specialized historical walking tours focused on women's history
Pair your historical exploration with visits to Scotland's natural landscapes that were home to many healing traditions
Are you and your friends ready for a magical October adventure in Scotland? Join our Girls Go Travel - Queens, Castles, and Countryside trip to experience firsthand. Walk in the footsteps of powerful women, experience the misty autumn landscapes, and create unforgettable memories together. Space is limited for our October 2025 Scotland Girls Trip - contact me today to reserve your spot on this transformative journey.
