Contagious Enemies: The Aberdeen Witch Trials

Witches have existed in society for centuries. Traditionally, they were the midwives, the providers of herbal medicines, the people who understood biology and nature. They were real people who lived amongst you. They were your neighbours – you knew them. But when the Scottish Reformation Party pushed through the Witchcraft Act in 1563, the healers would become the hunted.

The Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archive is a treasure trove of documentation, dating as far back as the twelfth century. Amongst its shelves are the original, handwritten court records from the Aberdeen witch trials of 1597 – first-hand accounts of the words spoken on those dreadful days. Covering a brief history of the Scottish witch trials, the role of an obsessed king, and how it all came to an end, Contagious Enemies: The Aberdeen Witch Trials brings you these court records, transcribed and translated into modern day English.

None were guilty, few were innocent.

DEE LAWLOR has worked as a freelance writer in the science communication field since 2017 and has authored a bestselling book on microscopes. She has a passion for history and in her spare time has researched the Scottish witch trials. She is a member of RAWS (Remembering the Accused Witches Scotland) and gives regular talks for them. She lives in Udny, Aberdeenshire.