The case of Anna Hill, a single woman of middling status from the parish of Govan, emerged from a volatile period of social instability in the spring of 1699. Anna, the daughter of a local smith, faced the weight of suspicion that had already touched her family, as her mother had previously been accused of witchcraft. Her legal troubles began following the accusations of Margaret Murdoch, the daughter of John Murdoch of Craigtown. While experiencing frequent fits, Margaret denounced several individuals in the parish as those tormenting her through maleficium. These denunciations were formalised in Glasgow on 22 April 1699, where witnesses provided testimony describing Margaret’s physical state and the specific names she uttered while under duress.
Despite the gravity of these accusations, the path to a formal verdict was irregular. Although a trial was initially scheduled to take place in Glasgow on 19 May 1699, it appears this proceeding did not occur. The matter was eventually transferred to the High Court in Edinburgh, where the case remained until 12 March 1700. On that date, the court decreed that the diet—the scheduled meeting for trial—be deserted. Following this judicial decision, Anna was released, effectively concluding the legal proceedings against her.