Commemorating the Forfar Witch Trials with Witch Week

To commemorate the Forfar Witch Trials, ANGUSalive are hosting Witch Week from Monday 23 – Sunday 29 September 2024.

The Forfar Witch Trials took place between 1661-1663 and involved 42 local people who were imprisoned and tortured on suspicion of witchcraft. 22 women were found guilty of the crime and executed over the three-year period.

Witch Week will include guided walks around connected sites in Forfar and local historians Shaun Wilson and Judith Langlands-Scott will deliver a fascinating talk about this dark time in Forfar’s history.

Shaun Wilson, Visitor Advisor at Forfar’s Meffan Museum and Art Gallery holds an interest in the trials and persecutions of Scottish Witches and is passionate about sharing the history of their story with the local community.

Shaun studied his masters degree at the University of Aberdeen , and when looking for a heritage project for his dissertation, an interest was sparked in the Witch Trials through research at Angus Archives.

Shaun says: “I’m autistic and what really grasped my interest was that a lot of neurodivergent people were targeted during the witch trials. There’s new research being found all the time and Witch Week is an opportunity for us to share that with you, but also for you to learn a little bit about the history and heritage of the witch trials in our wee town of Forfar.”

Due to their popularity, the guided walks have already sold out, but those who  missed out can book onto a walk next month on Wednesday 23 or Thursday 24 October.

There are still places available for The Forfar Witches Story Talks taking place on Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 September. Booking is essential as places are limited. More information can be found at here.