In the spring of 1662, the legal machinery of the Scottish state focused its attention on Elspeth Tod, a resident of the parish of Rhynd in Perth. Amidst a period of heightened judicial activity surrounding allegations of witchcraft, Elspeth was identified by the authorities and formally processed under the case designation C/EGD/1476. The records provide little context regarding the specific accusations levelled against her, yet the gravity with which her situation was treated is evidenced by the bureaucratic measures taken to secure her person and prepare for a formal legal proceeding.
Following her initial designation, the decision was made to move Elspeth from the jurisdiction of Perth to the capital. According to trial records (T/JO/900), she was ordered to be transported to Edinburgh for the purpose of standing trial. While the historical record indicates that her case was successfully transferred to the High Court, the documentation concludes abruptly at this point, providing no further details concerning the specific testimonies, the nature of the defense, or the ultimate verdict reached in the Edinburgh proceedings.