Town rejects memorial to victims of witch-hunts

Author Leonard Low suggested the village of Pittenweem in Fife should create Scotland’s first memorial to those persecuted during the witch-hunting craze which swept Scotland.

The historian said he was disappointed by the decision to reject the proposal, after a public vote allegedly failed to win enough popular support.

Mr Low, author of The Weem Witch, said: “Even though I knew in my heart that it would fail, I am still very disappointed.

“Pittenween say they are scared of having a bad image, but they had the chance to put themselves on the map.

“The decision will have come down to the Church, and they are not budging on it. I actually think it’s pathetic.

“I have received a lot of support for the monument, and even though it is very disappointing result, I think the fact that it came this far, after 300 years, and has got people talking, is a success.”

Mr Low suggested the memorial be built at the village’s West Braes, in memory of 26 local victims accused of witchcraft.

During the witch trials, 16 people were burnt at the stake, and one died during torture.

The most notorious witch killing was that of Janet Cornfoot. Sir Sean Connery’s ancestors were reportedly among the lynch mob that tortured and killed her in 1705.

After she was accused of witchcraft, Cornfoot was swung from a rope, stoned, and then crushed under a heavy door piled high with boulders.