In the spring of 1699, the life of Jean Whythill, a married woman residing in Renfrew, became inextricably bound to the atmospheric volatility of Paisley. During this period, a local girl named Margaret Laird began experiencing debilitating fits, during which she frequently identified and denounced various individuals as the source of her torment. As news of these occurrences spread, witnesses gathered in Paisley between April 19 and 21, 1699, to provide testimony regarding Margaret’s behavior and the specific allegations leveled against Jean and others during the girl’s episodes.
The legal process that followed Jean’s accusation was marked by significant procedural uncertainty. Although a trial was scheduled to take place in Glasgow on May 19, 1699, the proceedings did not materialize as planned. Instead, the matter progressed to the High Court of Justiciary in Edinburgh, where the case was formally reviewed on March 12, 1700. Despite the existence of a dittay and witness statements gathered the previous year, the court ultimately deserted the diet. Consequently, Jean was released, bringing a formal close to her entanglement with the judicial system.