Cromarty talk to look at the reality of historic Scottish witch trials
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A local author will look to tackle the myths of the 'witch trial craze' that gripped Scotland over centuries.
The Scottish witchcraft trials of the 16th to 18th centuries remain a fascinating and disturbing part of our nation's history with Scots five times more likely to find themselves accused, per head of population, as compared to most other European nations.
Academics estimate that of the approximately 2500 people who were executed for witchcraft in Scotland, 84 per cent were women.
Fearn-based author Philip Paris's latest novel, The Last Witch of Scotland, is inspired by the extraordinary story of Janet Horne, the last person in Britain to be executed for witchcraft – at Dornoch in1727. The book was published in April by Black & White Publishing.
Philip, who has also penned both fiction and non-fiction titles based on the Italian Chapel created by prisoners of war on Orkney as well as two other novels – Men Cry Alone, an award-winning contemporary novel about domestic abuse, and Casting Off, an hilarious story of residents in a Highland care home – will look to debunk many of the myths and misconceptions around the witchcraft trials as the guest of Cromarty History Society on Tuesday.
His talk will take place at the Victoria Hall, Cromarty at 7pm on Tuesday, July 25, with admission by donation.
The event is a fundraiser for the Cromarty Courthouse Museum with copies of Philip's books also available for sale on the evening.
