Witches of Scotland call for public apology to those accused of witchcraft between the 16th and 18th Centuries

The Witches of Scotland are undertaking a campaign for a statement from the Scottish government making a public apology to those accused of witchcraft in Scotland between the 16th and 18th centuries. The campaign seeks a legal pardon for the estimated 2,500 people convicted and executed under Scotland's Witchcraft Act. The law was in force from 1563 until 1736. It has been estimated that of the 4,000 accused of witchcraft over that period 85% were women. 

Claire Mitchell QC, co-founder of Witches of Scotland, said a public apology would be an important first step towards making amends. She said: "We're seeking a pardon for all of those convicted of witchcraft, an apology for all of those accused and a national memorial so we can remember what happened in the past". Witch hunts took place in a number of countries during that period, however, it has been estimated that Scotland's execution rate was five times the European average. The Witches of Scotland campaign wants Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to make a statement of apology on International Women's Day on 8th March.

Image: North Berwick witch trials in 1590. Image courtesy of googleimages: "The North Berwick witches from a contemporary pamphlet, Newes From Scotland".