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Annals of Auchterarder and Memorials of Srathearn
Trial of Violet Mar for Witchcraft


THE following brief notice in the Books of Adjournal of this trial awakens futile curiosity. As has been observed, from the singular respectability of the assize the accused must have been of superior rank, and it may be added that the charge of attempting the life of the Regent of Scotland, the Earl of Morton, was one of no ordinary kind. The lady incriminated lived at Kildeis, in the neighbourhood of Muthill, and the assize were selected from neighbouring proprietors.

[Mr Pitcairns thinks that the Kildeis referred to was in the Barony of Methven, where there is a place called Kildeis Land; but there can be little doubt, looking to the fact of the jury being chosen from the neighbouring proprietors, that Kildeis, in the parish of Muthill, was the residence of Violet Mar.]

(Mr Thomas Gilbert, Justice Depute.)
Witchcraft, &c.

1577, Oct. 24—Violet Mar, in Kildeis, dilaitit of the using of sorcerie, witchcraft, and incantatione with invocatione of spreittis at the times contenit in the said dittay.

Violet Mar was found guilty, as the word "convict" appears on the margin of the record, which, however, does not bear the usual marking by the Justiciary Clerk of sentence having been pronounced. It has been suggested as probable that it was referred to the Lord Regent and Privy Council, and when pronounced omitted to be inserted in the record.


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