In the spring of 1699, the community of Paisley became the epicenter of a series of dramatic denunciations led by a young girl named Margaret Laird. While suffering from fits that observers interpreted as supernatural torment, Laird identified several members of the local population as her tormentors. Among those singled out was Bessie Cochran, a widow residing in Rockbusle, Kilmacolm. The allegations leveled against Bessie were grave; beyond the general associations cast by Laird’s testimony, she was specifically accused of compelling her own son to enter into a covenant with the Devil.
Following these accusations, the legal machinery of the era moved against Bessie. Witness statements were formally recorded in Paisley between April 19 and 21, 1699, documenting the testimonies of those who had observed Laird during her episodes. A formal dittay—the document outlining the charges—was drawn up, and a trial was initially scheduled to take place in Glasgow in May 1699. However, this proceeding did not eventuate as planned. The case eventually moved to the High Court in Edinburgh, where, on March 12, 1700, the diet against her was deserted, and Bessie was released, effectively closing the matter.