Between the passing of the Witchcraft Act in 1563 by the Scottish parliament and its repeal in 1736 by the British parliament, an estimated 4,000-6,000 people in Scotland were prosecuted for witchcraft - a rate far higher than occurred in England. This course will explore this phenomenon via its sources to comprehend this unusual period in Scottish History.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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We will read and analyse extracts from key texts that defined witches and witchcraft in Scotland and justified their persecution and prosecution, including the Malleus Maleficarum (1487), Reginald Scott’s Discovery of Witchcraft (1584), James Carmichael’s Newes From Scotland (1591), King James VI’s Daemonologie (1597) and the legislation that contained the period of witch-hunting in Scotland. We will also explore trial records from throughout the period and across Scotland to understand why people were perceived as potential witches and to explore their experiences.
What will we cover?
· Introduction to the witch trials in early modern Scotland
· What is witchcraft and who were the witches?
· Witch-hunting and witch-hunters
· Legislation, prosecution and persecution
· High profile mass trial events like the North Berwick Trials (1590) and The ‘Great Witch Hunt’ of 1597 and 1661-2, as well as case studies of specific individuals like the trail of Janet Horne in 1727, the ‘last witch in Scotland’.
· The factors influencing the rise and fall of witch trials in early modern Scotland.
· The role of King James VI/I
· The experiences and voices of the persecuted
· Superstition and propaganda
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
· Evaluate key events and nature of the witch trials in early modern Scotland
· Assess different attitudes towards witches, witchcraft, magic and the supernatural
· Explore and comprehend the different explanations suggested by historians as to why the witch trials unfolded in the way that they did in Scotland and to come to your own conclusions as to the key influences
· Identify the judicial processes and outcomes across a period of transition in Scotland from independent to Union of the Crowns (1603) and Union of Parliaments (1707), as well as the impact of Cromwell and the interregnum on Scottish affairs.
· Evaluate the experiences of accused witches
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for complete beginners/those with a curiosity about the topic. An interest in the topic and a willingness to engage in class discussions are the only requirements.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be taught via a series of interactive lectures and discussions. Students will be provided with short sources and suggestions for further reading which they can undertake in their own time if they so desire.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No. Pen and paper if you wish to take notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may wish to attend Linsey's next course on Scottish history. Please see the British & Irish history area of the website for further details.
Linsey discovered her love of History at school because of an inspirational teacher who showed her how history impacted upon every aspect of life and who never shied away from any topic or question that interested us. This ethos of an open and curious study of history is at the core of Linsey's teaching. Linsey studied History at the University of St Andrews, specialising in Medieval Scottish History for her PhD. In 2013, Linsey joined the University of the Highlands and Islands, teaching hybrid courses to adults of all ages and backgrounds. She has been working there for ten years now, developing and diversifying her teaching experience on modules ranging from the Crusades to early modern broadsides. Linsey is currently developing a few research projects, including a book project on a fantastic local legendary figure - Finella, Lady of the Mearns, who is purported to have killed a king in revenge for the murder of her son.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/witches-witchcraft-and-witch-hunting-in-scotland3065860Witches, Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting in Scotlandhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/9580scb4.jpg149149GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/British & Irish history/Courses/Online courses/Courses/Halloween Courses2285117711781630173117011228511771178<p>Between the passing of the Witchcraft Act in 1563 by the Scottish parliament and its repeal in 1736 by the British parliament, an estimated 4,000-6,000 people in Scotland were prosecuted for witchcraft - a rate far higher than occurred in England. This course will explore this phenomenon via its sources to comprehend this unusual period in Scottish History.</p>003065845Witches, Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting in Scotland149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/9580scb4.jpgInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-11-11T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allNov 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHBH144149149Witches, Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting in Scotland14997149Linsey Hunterwitches-witchcraft-and-witch-hunting-in-scotland/hbh144-2627<p>Between the passing of the Witchcraft Act in 1563 by the Scottish parliament and its repeal in 1736 by the British parliament, an estimated 4,000-6,000 people in Scotland were prosecuted for witchcraft - a rate far higher than occurred in England. This course will explore this phenomenon via its sources to comprehend this unusual period in Scottish History.</p>0000-Available|2026-11-11 00:00:00<p>We will read and analyse extracts from key texts that defined witches and witchcraft in Scotland and justified their persecution and prosecution, including the Malleus Maleficarum (1487), Reginald Scott’s Discovery of Witchcraft (1584), James Carmichael’s Newes From Scotland (1591), King James VI’s Daemonologie (1597) and the legislation that contained the period of witch-hunting in Scotland. We will also explore trial records from throughout the period and across Scotland to understand why people were perceived as potential witches and to explore their experiences.</p><p>Between the passing of the Witchcraft Act in 1563 by the Scottish parliament and its repeal in 1736 by the British parliament, an estimated 4,000-6,000 people in Scotland were prosecuted for witchcraft - a rate far higher than occurred in England. This course will explore this phenomenon via its sources to comprehend this unusual period in Scottish History.</p><p>· Introduction to the witch trials in early modern Scotland</p><p>· What is witchcraft and who were the witches?</p><p>· Witch-hunting and witch-hunters</p><p>· Legislation, prosecution and persecution</p><p>· High profile mass trial events like the North Berwick Trials (1590) and The ‘Great Witch Hunt’ of 1597 and 1661-2, as well as case studies of specific individuals like the trail of Janet Horne in 1727, the ‘last witch in Scotland’.</p><p>· The factors influencing the rise and fall of witch trials in early modern Scotland.</p><p>· The role of King James VI/I</p><p>· The experiences and voices of the persecuted</p><p>· Superstition and propaganda</p><p>· Evaluate key events and nature of the witch trials in early modern Scotland</p><p>· Assess different attitudes towards witches, witchcraft, magic and the supernatural</p><p>· Explore and comprehend the different explanations suggested by historians as to why the witch trials unfolded in the way that they did in Scotland and to come to your own conclusions as to the key influences</p><p>· Identify the judicial processes and outcomes across a period of transition in Scotland from independent to Union of the Crowns (1603) and Union of Parliaments (1707), as well as the impact of Cromwell and the interregnum on Scottish affairs.</p><p>· Evaluate the experiences of accused witches</p><p>The course is suitable for complete beginners/those with a curiosity about the topic. An interest in the topic and a willingness to engage in class discussions are the only requirements. </p><p>The course will be taught via a series of interactive lectures and discussions. Students will be provided with short sources and suggestions for further reading which they can undertake in their own time if they so desire.</p><p>No. Pen and paper if you wish to take notes.</p><p>You may wish to attend Linsey's next course on Scottish history. Please see the British & Irish history area of the website for further details. </p>HistoryBritish & Irish historyvirtual14914997HBH144NONEWed11/11/26 - 16/12/2619:00 - 20:3019:0020:306 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnlineLinsey HunterBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-11-11T00:00:00+00:00EveningNov 2026Culture, history & humanities149149Witches, Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting in Scotlandwitches-witchcraft-and-witch-hunting-in-scotland/hbh144-2627<p>Between the passing of the Witchcraft Act in 1563 by the Scottish parliament and its repeal in 1736 by the British parliament, an estimated 4,000-6,000 people in Scotland were prosecuted for witchcraft - a rate far higher than occurred in England. This course will explore this phenomenon via its sources to comprehend this unusual period in Scottish History.</p>0000-Available|2026-11-11 00:00:00<p>We will read and analyse extracts from key texts that defined witches and witchcraft in Scotland and justified their persecution and prosecution, including the Malleus Maleficarum (1487), Reginald Scott’s Discovery of Witchcraft (1584), James Carmichael’s Newes From Scotland (1591), King James VI’s Daemonologie (1597) and the legislation that contained the period of witch-hunting in Scotland. We will also explore trial records from throughout the period and across Scotland to understand why people were perceived as potential witches and to explore their experiences.</p><p>Between the passing of the Witchcraft Act in 1563 by the Scottish parliament and its repeal in 1736 by the British parliament, an estimated 4,000-6,000 people in Scotland were prosecuted for witchcraft - a rate far higher than occurred in England. This course will explore this phenomenon via its sources to comprehend this unusual period in Scottish History.</p><p>· Introduction to the witch trials in early modern Scotland</p><p>· What is witchcraft and who were the witches?</p><p>· Witch-hunting and witch-hunters</p><p>· Legislation, prosecution and persecution</p><p>· High profile mass trial events like the North Berwick Trials (1590) and The ‘Great Witch Hunt’ of 1597 and 1661-2, as well as case studies of specific individuals like the trail of Janet Horne in 1727, the ‘last witch in Scotland’.</p><p>· The factors influencing the rise and fall of witch trials in early modern Scotland.</p><p>· The role of King James VI/I</p><p>· The experiences and voices of the persecuted</p><p>· Superstition and propaganda</p><p>· Evaluate key events and nature of the witch trials in early modern Scotland</p><p>· Assess different attitudes towards witches, witchcraft, magic and the supernatural</p><p>· Explore and comprehend the different explanations suggested by historians as to why the witch trials unfolded in the way that they did in Scotland and to come to your own conclusions as to the key influences</p><p>· Identify the judicial processes and outcomes across a period of transition in Scotland from independent to Union of the Crowns (1603) and Union of Parliaments (1707), as well as the impact of Cromwell and the interregnum on Scottish affairs.</p><p>· Evaluate the experiences of accused witches</p><p>The course is suitable for complete beginners/those with a curiosity about the topic. An interest in the topic and a willingness to engage in class discussions are the only requirements. </p><p>The course will be taught via a series of interactive lectures and discussions. Students will be provided with short sources and suggestions for further reading which they can undertake in their own time if they so desire.</p><p>No. Pen and paper if you wish to take notes.</p><p>You may wish to attend Linsey's next course on Scottish history. Please see the British &amp; Irish history area of the website for further details. </p>HistoryBritish & Irish historyconfigurable
16301178British & Irish historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/british-and-irish-studies1/2/285/1177/1178/16301/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/British & Irish history
