In the spring of 1662, the town of Haddington became the site of a sprawling legal crisis that ensnared many of its residents, including Nicoll Wadie and his wife. Their case originated amidst a surge of accusations prompted by James Welch, whose denunciations precipitated a large-scale investigation into alleged witchcraft within the community. Like many others caught in the periphery of these heightened tensions, Nicoll found himself under the scrutiny of local authorities, marking a period of profound disruption for his household.
Despite the gravity of the charges brought against him, Nicoll’s youth became a decisive factor in the procedural handling of his case. On April 17, 1662, officials determined that he was too young to face a formal trial; consequently, he was committed to prison rather than sent before a jury. Nevertheless, his involvement remained significant in the eyes of the court, as his own confession—along with the various denunciations he provided against others—was taken under serious consideration by the authorities overseeing the investigation.