Witchcraft and Superstitious Record in the South-Western District of Scotland

by J. Maxwell Wood

Yirbs, herbs.

Yowled, howled.

Yule, Christmas, also Hogmanay (December 31st).

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INDEX.

A
Abbey of Glenluce, [15], [61]
Abbey of Holm-Cultram, [16]
Abraham Crichton, Ghost of, [285]
Abraham Crichton, Laying of ghost of, [287]
Act against Witchcraft (1563), [66]
Act for burying in Scots linen (1686), [220]
Adder Beads, [55]
Agnew, Sir Andrew, [245]
Agnews of Galdenoch, [245]
Aikieslak (Dalbeattie), [274]
Aikendrum, [191]
Alloway Kirk, [17]
Annan River, [290]
Auchabrick House (ghost legend), [250]
Auchencairn, [300]
Auchenmalg Barracks, [257]
Auchensheen (Colvend), [185]
Auchenstroan (Glencairn), [283]
B
Ballad—Prisoner of Spedlins, [291]
Balmaghie, [46]
Bard of Corrie, [213]
“Bards of Galloway,” [166]
Barnamon (Stoneykirk), [37]
Barncorkerie, [154]
Barr, [13]
Beadle (Sexton), [241]
Bee Folklore, [218]
Bell of St. Ninian (Clog Rinny), [243]
Bellknowe of Penninghame, [243]
Bengairn, [172]
Bess o’ Borgue, [17]
Birns, [47]
Bishop’s Castle (Kirkmaiden), [154]
Bishopton Crofts (Whithorn), [254]
Blackaddie (Sanquhar), [51]
Black Art, [10], [16]
“Black Clud’s Wyme,” [16]
Black Esk, [296]
Blackett Tower (legend of spectre), [294]
Bladnoch, [64]
Blew Spot, [213]
Blink o’ an ill e’e, [26]
“Bloody Bell,” [295]
“Bloody Passage” (Drumlanrig), [282]
“Bluidy Brae,” [73]
Bodsbeck Ha’, [188]
Bogha (Balmaclellan), [72]
Bogle-Hole (Dalry), [267]
Bonshaw Tower, [294]
“Book of Galloway,” [62]
Bower, Walter, Abbot of Inchcolm, [277]
Boyd, Rev. Mr (Dalry, 1690), [34]
Breath-blasting, [182]
Brig o’ Ken, [18]
Brishie (Minnigaff), [185]
“Brocken” of Dumfries and Galloway, [7]
Brocklock Burn, [42]
Brownie, The, [186]
Brownie o’ Blednoch, [149], [191]
Brownie of Newabbey, [190]
Buckland Burn, [270]
Buckland Glen, Ghost of, [269]
Buittle, [301]
Burial without Coffins, [237]
Burnfoot, [45]
Burnes, William (father of Poet), funeral of, [234]
C
Caerlaverock Castle, [2], [10], [277]
Cairn, [283]
Cairnmon (Stoneykirk), [37]
Cantrip Incantations, [58]
Cardoness Castle, [151]
Cardrain, Ghost of, [251]
Carlin’s Cairn, [35]
Carrick, [13]
Carsphairn Parish (origin of), [55]
Castle-Douglas, [63]
Cassencarry, [262]
Changelings, [182]
Charles the Second, [36]
Charms against Witchcraft, [54]
Churchyard Superstitions, [239]
Cere-cloth, [227]

Clash, The (Kirkmaiden), [23]
Claunch (Sorbie), [253]
Clay Slap (Glenluce), [14]
“Clog Rinny” (Bell of St. Ninian), [243]
Closeburn, [49]
Cocklick, [173]
Coltran, Provost (Wigtown), Ghost of, [252]
Comyn, John (murder of and ghostly legend), [276]
Corbie, Janet, Sentence of, [80]
Corrie (Dumfriesshire), [53]
Craigdhu (Glasserton), [254]
Craighlaw House (ghost legend), [257]
Craik of Arbigland (family tragedy), [275]
Crichton Family, [284]
Crawick Mill, Witches of, [50]
“Cromek’s Remains,” [10], [182]
Cubbox (Balmaclellan), [72]
Culloch, [173]
Cumberland, [46]
Cunningham, Allan, [9]
D
Dalry, [34], [35], [57], [263]
Dalry Kirk, [17]
“Daemonologie,” [67]
Dead-bell, [212]
Dead-bell (skellat), [241]
Dead-days, [217]
Dead-watch, [212]
“Dear Meal Johnny,” [213]
Death Customs and Funeral Ceremony, [216]
Dede-chack, [212]
Dede-drap, [212]
Dede-nip, [212]
Dede-spall, [212]
Dee, The, [47]
Deid-lichts, [213]
Derry’s Howe (Kirkbean), [274]
Devil’s Grace, [62]
Devil of Glenluce, [252]
“Devil-Raiser of Urr,” [106]
Dinnans (Whithorn), [97]
Douglas, Sir Wm., of Gelston, [62]
Dream of the Abbot of Tungland, [16]
Dribblings (Kirkmaiden), [24]
“Droll Recollections of Whithorn” (Cannon), [165]
Drumlane, [173]
Drumlanrig Castle, [282]
Drummore, [55]
Drumrash, [269]
Duncan, Henry, of Ruthwell, [235]
Dunbars of Mochrum, [262]
Dundrennan, [269]
Dunnan Fort, [149]
Dunreggan (Moniaive), [202]
Dunskey Castle, [244]
E
Edinburgh Bibliographical Society publications (note on Jean Maxwell), [99]
“Effigies Clericorum,” [142]
Elf-cups, [55]
Eliock, [284]
Elspeth M‘Ewen—
Suspected of Witchcraft, [72]
Examined, [73]
Prison Expenses, [73]
Commission appointed for new trial, [74]
Execution at Silver Craigs, Kirkcudbright, [77]
Note of expenses of trial and execution, [78]
Executioner’s petition, [80]
Encoffining, or “kistin’,” [219]
Eskdalemuir Parish, [296]
Eskdale Moor (funeral adventures), [223]
F
Fairies and Brownies, [143]
Fairies—
Attitude towards mankind, [143]
Capriciousness of, [144]
Elf-shot wounds, [144]
Explanation of fairy and brownie belief, [148], [149]
“Fairy Rade,” [176]
Fairy Park (Logan), [157]
Feasting and dancing, [143]
“Good neighbours,” [144]
Kidnapping by, [145]
Pageants, [143]
Practices to counteract fairy influence, [146]
Unreality of fairy fabric, [147]
“Wee fouk,” [144]
Fairy-lore in Galloway and Dumfriesshire (from West to East)—
Dunnan Fort, [149]
Kirkmaiden, [151]
Barncorkerie, [154]
Compass Stone (Port Logan), [156]
Ringuinea, [157]
Nick of the Balloch, [158]
Curghie Glen, [158]
Grennan, [158]
Kirkbride, [158]
Killumpha, [158]
Slock-an-a-gowre, [158]
Sorbie, [166]
Kirkinner, [166]
Longhill, [166]
Dalry District, [169]
Hazelfield (Auchencairn), [172]
Nick of Lochenkit, [172]
Dalbeattie, [172]
Edingham Loch, [172]
Long Wood (Lochanhead), [174]
Dumfriesshire—
Caerlaverock, [180]
Auchencreath, [175]
Dalswinton, [183]
Closeburn, [182]
Drumlanrig, [183]
Sanquhar, [184]
Kirkconnel, [184]
Polveoch, [184]
Kello Water, [184]
Glen Aylmer, [184]
Glen Wharry, [184]
Bale Hill, [186]
Annandale, [184]
Lochmaben, [175]
Burnswark, [184]
Corrie, [185]
Fin M‘Coul, [43]
“Fire Spangs of Faustus,” [16]
Funeral festivities (“Gallovidian Encyclopædia”), [232]
Funeral refreshment (Draigie), [234]
Funeral rites and customs, [236]
Funeral “services,” [225]
G
Galdenoch Tower, [245]
“Galloway Gossip,” [166]
Galloway Mansion near Castle-Douglas, Ghostly story of, [273]
“Galloway Register,” [26]
“Galloway Traditions,” [26]
Galloway, Western, Traditions of, [22]
Gap’s Mill, Glencairn, [283]
Garryhorn, [36]
Gatehouse, [262]
General Assembly (Condemnatory Acts), [68]
“Gentle Shepherd” (extract from), [59]
Ghost-lore and Haunted Houses, [244]
Ghost Legends of the South-west of Scotland (arranged in their order, from West to East)—
Dunskey Castle, [244]
Galdenoch Tower, [245]
“Lodnagappal Plantin’,” [248]
High Ardwell, [248]
Auchabrick House, [250]
Cardrain House, [251]
Tirally, [251]
Glenluce, [252]
Provost Coltran (Drummorall), [252]
Packman’s Grave (Bladnoch), [253]
Claunch, Sorbie, [254]
Whithorn, [254]
Craigdhu, Glasserton, [255]
Church of Kirkmaiden, [256]
Auchenmalg Barracks, [257]
Craighlaw House, [257]
Machermore Castle, [258]
Creetown, [262]
Kirkdale Bridge, [263]
Glenlee, Dalry, [263]
Bogle-Hole, Dalry, [267]
Moor of Corsock, [267]
Buckland Glen, [269]
Ringcroft of Stocking, [272]
Mansion House near Castle-Douglas, [273]
Wood Forester’s, Dalbeattie, [274]
Laird o’ Coul’s Ghost, [300], [344]
Kirkbean—
Murder Fall, [274]
Derry’s How, [274]
Farm-house, [274]
Howlet’s Close, [275]
Three Cross Roads, [275]
Near Newabbey, [276]
Minorite Friary, Dumfries (1306) and Caerlaverock Castle, (1358), [276]
Solway legend of the passing of “Aul’ Lag,” [278]
Coach legend of passing of William Duke of Queensberry (Drumlanrig), [281]
Drumlanrig Castle, [282]
Tynron Doon, [282]
Glencairn—
Auchenstroan, [283]
Marwhirn, [283]
Pentoot, [283]
Gaps Mill, [283]
Nut Wood, [283]
Jarbruck Bridge, [283]
Kirkland Bridge, [283]
Sanquhar Castle, [283]
Littlemark, Sanquhar, [284]
Abraham Crichton’s Ghost, [285]
Poldean, Wamphray, [287]
Spedlins Tower, [288]
Jardine Hall, [290]
Knockhill, [293]
Orchard, Hoddom, [294]
Bonshaw Tower, [294]
Blackett Tower, [294]
Kirkconnel Hall, [295]
Todshawhill, [296]
Lowland Manor House, [298]
Gilchristland, [50]
Gilroanie, [270]
“Girzie M‘Clegg,” [17]
Glasserton, [165], [215]
Glencairn, [283]

“Glencairn Kate,” [17]
Glencaple Quay, [199]
Glenkens, [19]
Glenkens, twenty years’ holidaying in (Blacklock), [265]
Glenlee House (ghost narrative), [263]
Glenluce, [13], [14]
Greenmill (Caerlaverock), [209]
Grennan, The, [25]
Grierson, John, of Lag (funeral expenses of), [227]
Grierson of Lag, Sir Robert (funeral expenses of), [229]
Grierson of Lag, Sir Robert (funeral legend), [230]
Grierson of Lag (Solway legend of his “passing”), [278]
Grose’s “Antiquities of Scotland,” [289]
“Gyre Carline,” [8]
H
Hallowmass, [2]
Hallowmass Rade, [3]
Hannayston, Witch of, [17]
Harper’s “Rambles in Galloway,” [17]
Hay of Park, [60]
Heron, Robert (Journey through Western Scotland), [54]
High Ardwall (white woman apparition), [248]
Holm Glen (Dalry), [275]
Howlet’s Close (Kirkbean), [275]
“Hydrostatics,” Sinclair’s, [300]
I
“Il Penseroso” (extract from), [186]
Inshanks Moor, [29]
Irvings of Hoddom, [293]
J
James VI. of Scotland, [67]
Jarbruck, [283]
Jardine’s of Applegarth, [289]
Jardine Hall, [290]
“Jean o’ the Howff” (Rerwick), [45]
“Jock o’ the Horn,” [182]
K
Kain Bairns, [7]
“Keekafar” (Kirkmaiden), [155]
Kells, [35]
Kells Rhynns, [36]
Keltonhill, [40]
Kenmure (Stoneykirk), [157]
Kenmure Castle (Dalry), [269]
Killymingan (Kirkgunzeon), [105]
Killumpha Farm (Kirkmaiden), [204]
Kilmeny (Jas. Hogg), [146]
Kincaid, John (Witch-pricker), [70]
King’s Croft of Stocking, [63]
Kirkdale Bridge, Ghost of, [263]
Kirkdale House, [262]
Kirkmaiden, [22], [29], [151]
Kirkmaiden Church, [30]
Kirkmaiden, Legend of, [256]
Kirkmaiden Witches, [29], [32], [98]
Kirk-session (Borgue) examination for alleged fairycraft, [159]
Kirkpatricks of Closeburn, [214], [227], [231], [284]
Kirkpatrick, Roger, [277]
Kirkpatrick Sharpe, Charles, [288]
Kirkwaugh (Bladnoch), pedlar’s ghost at, [253]
Kippford, [274]
Kirkennan Woods (Dalbeattie), [199]
Kirkland Bridge (Glencairn), [283]
Knockhill Mansion (tragedy at), [293]
Knocknishy (Whithorn), [185]
Knocksheen (Dalry), [17]
L
Lady Ashburton, [267]
Laird o’ Coul’s Ghost, [344]
Langhill Fairy, The, [166]
Lapps or Finns, [149]
Latewake, [223]
Law’s Memorials, [287]
“Lay of the last Minstrel” (extract from), [16]
Liethin Hall, [187]
Leswalt, [245]
Levitical Law, [68]
Library of Michael Scott (list of works), [16]
Lichts before death, [209]
Lindsay, James (Caerlaverock tragedy), [277]
Little Cocklick (Urr), [101]
Littlemark Farm, Sanquhar, Ghostly appearance at, [284]
Locharbriggs Hill, [3]
Lochar Moss, [8]
Loch Doon, [36]
“Lodnagappal Plantin,” Apparitions at, [248]
Logan, [24], [25]
Logan Mill, [31]
Lord Crichton (6th), [284]
Lord Glenlee, [263]
Lords of Sanquhar, [284]
Lord Stormonth, [227]
Lotus Hill (Kirkgunzeon), [173]
Loup o’ the Grennan, [151]
Low Curghie (Kirkmaiden), [24]

Luce, [13], [15]
Luce Bay, [215]
Lykewake, [223]
M
Machars of Galloway, [33]
Machermore Castle, Legend of, [258]
Maggie’s gate to Gallowa’, [13]
Mainsriddel, [274]
“Maggie o’ the Moss,” [6], [17], [21]
“Mak’ Siccar” (tragedy, Dumfries), [278]
Manor House in Lowlands (story of apparition), [298]
Manxman’s Lake, [270]
March Moon, [55]
Marshall, Rev. Mr (Kirkmaiden), [97], [248]
Marwhirn, [283]
Millar, Mary (alleged witch), [74]
Mary Queen of Scotland (Act against witchcraft), [66]
Master of Logan (Allan Cunningham), [19]
Maxwell of Carriel (Carzield), [227]
Maxwell of Dalswinton, [188]
Maxwells of Monreith (successors to M‘Cullochs), [214]
Maxwell, Thomas (Laird of Coul), [301]
Maxwell, Jean, trial of (for pretended witchcraft), [98]
Maxwell, Jean (copy of title page of publication of trial), [110]
Meg Elson (Kirkmaiden witch), [32]
Meg Elson’s Elegy, [32]
Meg Macmuldroch (Galloway witch), [62]
Melrose Abbey, [16]
Michael Scott of Balwearie, [15]
Mochrum Parish (extravagant funeral expenditure), [226]
Moffat Churchyard, [213]
Monkland Shore, [44]
Monreith House, [161]
Moor of Corsock (ghost of headless piper), [267]
Moor of the Genoch, [248]
Moor Kirk of Luce, [13]
Mort-cloth (use of), [239]
Mountsallie (Rhinns), Witchcraft at, [57]
Muirhead, Dr James, [107]
Mull of Galloway, [149]
Murder Fall (Kirkbean), [274]
Myrton Mound (fairy legend), [161]
M‘Cullochs of Myrton, [214]
M‘Culloch, Sir Godfrey, [151]
M‘Millan Cup, [195]
M‘Milligan of Dalgarnock, [283]
N
“Necromancy,” [16]
Newabbey, Witchcraft at, [10]
Newabbey (ghost of lady in white), [276]
Nicholas Grier (witch of Hannayston), [17]
Nick o’ the Balloch, [13]
“Nithsdale Minstrel” (poetical collection), [34]
Nith, [51], [189]
Nut Wood, Maxwelton (Moniaive), [283]
Nicholson, Wm., poet (fairycraft examination, recollection by his mother), [159]
O
“Old Church life in Scotland” (Edgar), [237]
Old Hall at Ecclefechan, Ghost at, [295]
Old House of Park, [61]
Old John Orr (Carlyle reminiscence), [293]
Old Meg of Twynholm (reputed witch), [43]
Old Red Cap (ghost of Blackett Tower), [294]
Old Turnpike House, Dumfries, [231]
Orchard, Hoddom (laying of ghost), [294]
Osborne, “Maggie” (Wigtownshire witch), [11]
P
Packman’s Grave (Bladnoch), [258]
Palmallet (Whithorn), [96]
Palnackie, [199]
“Passing Bell” (custom of ringing), [241]
Passing Bell (reference in “Book of Galloway”), [243]
Patiesthorn, Legend of, [269]
“Pawky Auld Kimmer,” [65]
Pentoot (Glencairn), [283]
“Philosophy of the Devil,” [16]
Picts, [148], [149]
Poldean, Wamphray (ghost reference), [287]
Portankill (fairy haunt), [149]
Porteous, ghost of, at Spedlins Tower, [289]
Portencockerie Bay (fairy haunt), [156]
Port Logan, [31], [156]
Portpatrick, Legend of, [245]
Port-William, [254]

Presbytery of Penpont (warning regarding burial festivity abuse), [234]
Prestonmill, [274]
“Pricking” of Witches, [70]
“Prince of Darkness” (and witch revelry), [8]
Privy Council Commissions (to try cases of witchcraft), [71]
R
Rab’s Howff (Rerwick), [45]
Ray’s Itinerary (Dumfries), [242]
Red Comyn, [277]
Rerwick, [44]
Rerwick Apparition, [272], [321]
Rhinns, [25]
Rhonehouse, [40]
“Riddling in the Reek,” [166]
“Ridden post by a witch,” [5]
Ringdoo Point, [15]
Ringcroft of Stocking, [272]
Ringcroft of Stocking, site of, [300]
Robert the Bruce, [36]
“Robin Goodfellow,” [186]
Roodmas, [176]
Rotten Row (Whithorn), [33]
S
Sanquhar, [50]
Sanquhar Castle (ghostly legends), [283]
Sanquhar, History of (Simpson), [184], [285]
Sanquhar Kirkyard, [240]
“Satan’s Almanac,” [16]
“Satan’s Invisible World,” [300]
Scots Money, [227]
Shaws of Craigenbay and Craigend, [35]
Shawn (Stoneykirk), [185]
Shennaton (Bladnoch), [64]
Shinnel Water, [283]
Shirmers, [269]
Sin-eating, [218]
Sir Chesney Shaw, [35]
Sir Walter Scott, [16], [244]
Slip Coffins, [237]
Solway Firth, [8]
“Soothsayers’ Creed,” [16]
Spell-casting, [60]
Spedlins Tower, Ghost of, [288]
Spedlins Tower Bible, [291]
St. Ninian, [39]
Stake Moss, Sanquhar, [239]
State and Church (action against witchcraft), [22]
Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, [151]
Stoneykirk, [36], [248]
Suicides, Burial of, [239]
Surprising Story of the Devil of Glenluce, [299], [302]
Sweetheart Abbey, [2], [10]
T
Tam o’ Shanter, [6], [17]
Telfair, Alexander (Minister of Rerwick), [272]
Three Cross Roads (Kirkbean), [275]
Tirally (Kirkmaiden), [56]
Tirally, Ghost at, [251]
Todshawhill, Bogle of, [296]
Tolbooth of Kirkcudbright, [108]
Tongland, [16]
Tower of Craigend, [35]
Traditional Witchcraft described, [1]
Train, Joseph (account of funeral superstitions), [236]
True account of an apparition in Ringcroft, parish of Rerwick, [299], [321]
Tynron, [49]
Tynron Doon, Spectre of, [282]
U
“Unique Traditions of the West and South of Scotland” (Barbour), [35]
Upper Nithsdale, [50]
W
“Warlock Feckets,” [55]
“Walpurgis” (witch festivals), [8]
Warnings, accounts of from—
Caerlaverock, [209]
Closeburn, [214]
Corrie, [2]
Craigdarroch, [214]
Dumfries, [213]
Glencairn, [210]
Kirkmaiden (in Fernes), [214]
Moniaive, [208]
Tynron, [209]
Waterside Hill (Dalry), [19]
Water of Urr, [207]
“Waulking” the dead, [219]
Walter de Curry, [244]
Well of the Co’ (Kirkmaiden), [150]
White Loch of Myrton, [161]
Whithorn, Old Manse, [254]
Whinnieliggate, [40]
Whithorn (similar legend to Tam o’ Shanter), [33]
White Lady of Machermore, [258]
“Witch Cake,” [9]
“Witch Chronicle, The,” [16]
Witches Gathering, [3]
Witch Marks, [8], [70]
Witch Narrative, [21]
Witch Narrative (Southern Kirkcudbrightshire), [40]
Witches Sabbath, [7]
Witches’ Stairs (Crawick), [50]
Witches’ Rocks (Portpatrick), [36]

William, Duke of Queensberry (legend of ghostly coach), [281]
Witchcraft, proceedings against, in Galloway—
Kirkcudbright (Presbytery, 1662), [72]
Kirkcudbright, 1671, [72]
Dalry (Kirk-session, 1696), [72]
Dalry (Kirk-session, 1697), [73]
Kirkcudbright, 1698, [74]
Kirkcudbright, 1698, [80]
Kirkcudbright, 1701, [82], [86], [87]
Twynholm, 1703, [87]
Urr (parish of) 1656, [91]
Kirkpatrick-Durham (parish of), [92]
Carsphairn (parish of), [93]
Minnigaff (parish of), [93]
New Luce (parish of), [96]
Whithorn (parish of), [96]
Kirkmaiden (parish of), [97]
Kirkcudbright, 1805, [97]
Maxwell, Jean, trial of (pretended witchcraft), [98]
Dumfriesshire (proceedings in)—
Burgh of Dumfries, 1657, [111]
Kirk-Session of Dumfries, 1658, [111]
Dumfries (official information regarding the judicial burning of nine women), [112]
Dumfries (attendance of clergy at the burning), [115]
Dumfries (resolution against Janet Burnes, alleged witch), [115]
Dumfries (warrant of execution against two alleged witches), [116]
Dumfries (last trial for witchcraft in Scotland, Elspeth Rule), [117]
Dumfries (Presbytery of—Southern district), [118]
Caerlaverock, Kirk-session records, [118]
Irongray, Kirk-session records, [120]
Irongray Parish (traditional account of witch punishment), [122]
Closeburn Parish, [124]
Penpont Presbytery, [131]
Glencairn Kirk-session records, [132]
Glencairn, Case of Alexander Deuart, [133]
Durisdeer, [138]
Torthorwald, [140]
Wood Foresters’, Dalbeattie (scene of murder and ghost appearance), [273]
Warnings, [207], [208], [209], [210], [211], [212]
Wraiths—
Seen at Balgreggan House, [205]
"Buittle, [199]
"Dalbeattie, [205]
"Glencairn, [201]
"Kirkmaiden, [204]
"Moniaive, [202]
Wraiths (account of from “Gallovidian Encyclopædia”), [202]
Wylliehole, Witch of, [53]
Y
Yule, [278]
Yule Candles, [219]

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Footnotes: