In the early seventeenth century, the life of Gilbert Robisone became entangled with the ecclesiastical and judicial machinery of the Scottish Kirk across the presbyteries of Biggar and Peebles. Although records suggest his presence in the parish of Culter in Lanarkshire, he is most firmly situated in Drumelzier, Peeblesshire, by 1643. It was during this period that Gilbert became the subject of a formal investigation, drawing the attention of ministers who provided statements regarding his activities. The nature of these proceedings was rigorous; Gilbert was expected to answer to a committee of the presbytery, though historical accounts note his failure to appear before them during the initial stages of the inquiry.
The momentum of the proceedings accelerated in early 1644, leading to the scheduling of a trial in Peebles for the second week of January. By the end of February 1644, the case against Gilbert reached a pivotal juncture in the judicial record. When confronted with the charges brought against him, Gilbert entered a plea of denial. This moment remains the final significant entry in the surviving documentation, preserving the account of a man who stood before the authorities of the Peebles presbytery to contest the allegations leveled against him.