In the summer of 1658, the ecclesiastical authorities in Orkney turned their attention to Effie Rosie, a resident of the island of Burray. The legal proceedings began following a formal delation—a process of public accusation—that originated in Stroma, a small island situated in the Pentland Firth. The gravity of these charges necessitated a formal appearance before the Kirk session of Burray, the local administrative body tasked with maintaining moral and spiritual order within the community.
On July 5, 1658, Effie faced trial for witchcraft in Orkney. The deliberations of the session concluded with a verdict of guilty, marking a significant intervention by the church into her life. Unlike many accused in this era who faced capital punishment, the court imposed a sentence of banishment upon Effie. By formal decree, she was compelled to leave her home, effectively severing her ties to the community of Burray and the jurisdiction of the local session.