In the late summer of 1678, 55-year-old Margaret Sonnes, a resident of the parish of Fala in Haddington, became the subject of intense judicial scrutiny. Her legal ordeal began formally with a confession recorded on July 24, followed by another on November 4, 1678. Within these testimonies, Margaret admitted to a long-standing commitment, claiming to have been in the service of the Devil for thirty years. Her case, documented under reference C/EGD/695, integrated her into a wider web of accusations; she was identified by other accused individuals, including Margaret Dods and Alison Rae, and was explicitly named as an accomplice by both Andrew Hud and Jannet Henryson, pointing to a perceived network of clandestine activity.
The legal proceedings moved swiftly to Edinburgh, where the trial commenced on November 4, 1678. The gravity of the charges, which included participating in witches’ meetings, necessitated a brief adjournment to allow for deliberation. The court reconvened at noon on Wednesday, November 6, 1678, to deliver its final judgment. Upon the conclusion of the trial, Margaret was found guilty and sentenced to execution. This process highlights the meticulous, albeit harrowing, administrative rhythm of the Scottish courts during this period, where multiple statements and witness testimonies coalesced into a final, irreversible verdict.
