Annabel Reid, a married woman from Inchinnan in Renfrew, became entangled in the volatile legal proceedings of the 1697 Renfrewshire witch trials. Her initial indictment in April 1697 occurred amidst a period of intense public anxiety, largely driven by the accusations of Margaret Laird, a young girl in Paisley who claimed to be tormented by witches. During her fits, Laird publicly denounced numerous individuals, including Annabel, whose names were subsequently recorded as part of the broader legal investigations. However, Annabel’s first appearance before the authorities resulted in a temporary reprieve; she was released from prison shortly after her 1697 trial due to the fact that she was then breastfeeding.
Legal processes against Annabel resumed following witness testimonies gathered in Paisley between April 19 and 21, 1699. These statements focused on observations of Laird’s fits and the accusations voiced during them. While a subsequent trial was scheduled for Glasgow in May 1699, it does not appear to have proceeded as planned. Ultimately, the case moved to the High Court in Edinburgh, where, on March 12, 1700, Annabel’s diet was formally deserted. This legal action effectively concluded the proceedings against her, and she was released, marking the end of her three-year involvement in the Renfrewshire trials.