Recreation of North Berwick witch trials to take place in Dirleton

A RE-ENACTMENT of the 16th century witch trials that took place in North Berwick is set to be the focal point at Dirleton Castle this Sunday.

As part of ‘A Witch’s Brew,’ actors will stage a trial based on historical accounts of events that took place in 1590, when a number of women accused of witchcraft confessed under torture to consorting with the devil and dedicating themselves to evil deeds, including a storm that forced a ship carrying King James VI from Denmark to head for Norway, where it was stranded for many weeks.

Witch finder John Kincaid will head up the trial, and will explain how confessions were forced out of the numerous women accused of being witches. Visitors will be asked to make up the jury, and decided whether the accused is guilty of witchcraft, or innocent.

There will also be an alchemist on hand to discuss the church’s view on magic, and the practices of alchemy and astrology, with an insight into the work of an alchemist in the late 1500s.

• Sunday June 24th, 12pm - 4pm. £5 adults, £4 concession and £3 for children.