A new tartan designed to honor those accused under Scotland’s notorious witchcraft laws is making waves. Named the Witches Tartan, it symbolizes the countless women who faced persecution and execution between 1563 and 1736. The tartan not only marks a painful chapter in Scotland’s history but also represents the ongoing fight for justice and recognition for the victims of these historic trials.
A Tribute to the Victims
The Witches Tartan was created with deep symbolic intent by Prickly Thistle Scotland, a company known for its creative approach to traditional tartan designs. The design itself incorporates a rich array of colors, each one carrying a weight of meaning:
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Black represents the historical weight of the witch trials.
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Grey symbolizes the ash left in the wake of those executed.
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Red stands for the bloodshed of those unjustly accused.
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Pink reflects the ribbons of the legal system that failed to protect these individuals.
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White check consisting of three threads signifies the core goals of the Witches of Scotland campaign: pardon, apology, and memorial.
This thoughtful design serves as a visual marker of the tragic past, while also providing a call to action for continued advocacy and recognition.
The Witchcraft Trials and Their Aftermath
Between 1563 and 1736, over 3,800 individuals, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft in Scotland, according to data from the Survey of Scottish Witchcraft. Around 2,500 of these accused were executed, a devastating number that left a lasting scar on Scottish society.
The trials, fueled by fear, superstition, and misogyny, saw women (and some men) tortured and killed based on flimsy or nonexistent evidence. Many were accused of maleficium (harmful magic), often as a result of personal vendettas or community fears. The Witches Tartan stands as a permanent reminder of the injustice faced by these victims, many of whom were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Recognition and Continued Campaigning
While an official apology was issued by the Scottish Government in 2022 for the wrongful persecution of accused witches, the Witches of Scotland campaign is not finished. The campaign, spearheaded by survivors’ descendants and advocacy groups, continues to push for formal legal recognition and a memorial to honor the victims of the witch trials.
The tartan, which was officially registered on 11 February 2025, adds a layer of visibility and legitimacy to this ongoing effort. By using a traditional symbol like the tartan, the campaign seeks to cement the recognition of these women in Scotland’s collective history and ensure that their stories are never forgotten.
