Scottish witch trials: the sites you can still visit in the Highlands

Scotland's witch trials were among the darkest chapters in the nation's history, with accusations, confessions extracted by torture, and executions carried out in the name of superstition and fear. While the majority of these trials took place in the Lowlands, remnants of witch trial sites in the Highlands provide a haunting lens into this turbulent period. Here we explore some of these locations, blending documented history with the echoes of folklore that have shaped the Scottish Highlands.

What to Expect

Visiting the Highlands' witch trial sites is less about theatrical displays and more about quiet moments of reflection. These locations are not filled with eerie props or ghostly tours but instead offer a connection to history that is rooted in the land and the people who lived - and died - there. Expect sites marked by plaques or memorial stones, rather than dramatic reconstructions. The stories of the accused, from Janet Horne to Isobel Cordiner, remain potent reminders of human vulnerability during a time when fear often won over reason.

Some sites are remote, requiring travel along winding roads and paths. Others are nestled within towns or near historic landmarks. While the evidence of the trials themselves - such as stakes or physical remains - has long disappeared, the documented accounts and surviving memorials ensure these dark histories are not forgotten.

History

The Scottish witch trials spanned nearly two centuries, from the 1563 Witchcraft Act to its repeal in 1736. During this time, an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 people were accused of witchcraft across Scotland, with over 1,500 executed. The Highlands saw fewer accusations than the Lowlands, but notable cases remain documented in historical records, blending fact with folklore.

The Witchcraft Act and Early Trials

The 1563 Witchcraft Act made witchcraft a capital offence in Scotland, and the first major wave of trials occurred in 1590-91. This period, known as the North Berwick witch trials, primarily centred in East Lothian but set the precedent for nationwide hunts. James VI’s obsession with witchcraft and his belief in a diabolical conspiracy added momentum to subsequent purges. Highland trials were smaller in number, likely due to the region’s geographical isolation and cultural differences.

The Great Scottish Witch Hunt of 1661-62

The Highlands were not immune to the mass panic that gripped Scotland during the Great Scottish Witch Hunt of 1661-62. During this period, over 600 individuals were accused across the country, including around 80 people in Ross-shire. Notable cases include Isobel Cordiner, accused and executed at Chanonry Point, and Elspeth Tullach in Forres, whose confession was reportedly extracted under torture.

The Last Scottish Witch: Janet Horne

In 1727, Janet Horne, a woman from Dornoch, became the last person executed for witchcraft in Scotland. Accused of turning her daughter into a pony and riding her to meet the Devil, Janet was subjected to brutal treatment before being paraded, tarred, and burned alive. Her daughter managed to escape. The Witchstone in Dornoch marks the site of her execution, serving as a sombre reminder of the injustices of the time. Learn more about her story in Janet Horne Scotland's last executed witch.

Visiting Today

Dornoch Witchstone Located in a private garden on Carnaig Street, the Witchstone is visible from the road but not accessible for entry. Guided tours occasionally include this site. Chanonry Point / Fortrose Near the ruins of Fortrose Cathedral, the site of 1662 trials can be explored via public paths. History plaques provide context, while the coastal location offers stunning views and frequent dolphin sightings. Inverness Though no specific memorials exist for witch trials, Inverness Castle and local museums provide insight into regional history, including scattered cases from the 17th century. Forres Forres is another Highland town linked to witch trials, though no memorial stone exists. Walking trails near Nelson’s Tower highlight historical narratives including local accusations.

Getting There

Travelling to these sites requires some planning, as they are spread across the Highlands. Below are directions to key locations:

• Dornoch Witchstone: Dornoch is accessible via the A9, approximately an hour north of Inverness. Parking is available in the town centre.
• Chanonry Point: Located on the Black Isle, Chanonry Point is a short drive from Inverness. Public transport options include buses to Fortrose, with coastal paths leading to the site.
• Inverness: Easily accessible by train, bus, or car, Inverness serves as a gateway to many Highland historical sites.
• Forres: Forres can be reached via the A96 from Inverness or Aberdeen. Rail and bus links also connect the town to major cities.

What Not to Miss

For visitors interested in the witch trials of the Highlands, the following highlights should not be missed:

• The Witchstone in Dornoch: A poignant memorial to Janet Horne, Scotland's last executed witch.
• Chanonry Point: A site of mass accusations in 1662, with nearby Fortrose Cathedral ruins providing additional historical context.
• Inverness Castle: Though not directly tied to witch trials, the castle offers exhibits on regional history, including the judicial role of burgh courts.
• Forres Town Trails: Explore the landscapes linked to witch trial narratives near Nelson’s Tower.

Key Takeaways

• Scotland's witch trials were among the most brutal in Europe, with over 1,500 executions.
• The Highlands had fewer accusations than the Lowlands, but notable cases like Janet Horne's remain documented.
• Highland sites linked to witch trials include Dornoch, Chanonry Point, Inverness, and Forres.
• Memorials are sparse and understated, often marked by plaques or stones rather than elaborate displays.
• Visiting these sites offers moments of quiet reflection on historical injustice.

For more on this area, see our guide to haunted castles of the Highlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where were Scottish witches executed?
Witches in Scotland were typically executed by strangling followed by burning, with sites ranging from urban centres like Edinburgh's Castlehill to smaller towns like Dornoch or Forres. In the Highlands, executions often occurred in open ground near judicial courts or town centres, though specific markers are rare.

How many people were executed in Scottish witch trials?
An estimated 1,500 people were executed in Scotland during the witch trials, far exceeding the number in England or Salem. The majority were women, and accusations often stemmed from local disputes or fears of the supernatural.

Who was the last person executed for witchcraft in Scotland?
Janet Horne was the last person executed for witchcraft in Scotland in 1727. She was burned alive in Dornoch after being accused of transforming her daughter into a pony to ride to the Devil. Learn more in Janet Horne Scotland's last executed witch.

Can you visit witch trial sites?
Yes, several sites linked to witch trials in the Highlands can be visited. The Dornoch Witchstone, Chanonry Point, and town trails in Forres are accessible to the public. While no archaeological remains exist, memorials and historical plaques mark these locations. For further exploration, see Chanonry Point dark history and Dornoch witch trial.