What sources are available for the study of witchcraft in Scotland for undergraduate and postgraduate students?
First read Christina Larner, Enemies of God: the witch hunt in Scotland (John Donald, 2000); and then consult the unpublished calendar of witchcraft cases C. Larner, C. H. Lee, & H. V. McLachlan, Source Book of Scottish Witchcraft (there are copies at the National Records of Scotland, Glasgow University Library, and the National Library of Scotland). An earlier and less comprehensive work is G. F. Black, Calendar of Cases of Witchcraft in Scotland, 1510-1727 (New York, 1938).
Most witchcraft prosecutions required a commission of justice from Edinburgh and a local court (often a burgh) to make the necessary arrangements. The principal judicial sources on witchcraft cases are the trial records from the Justiciary Court and the Privy Council. These have been published for most of the period in which witch hunts took place in Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, 1554-1691 (Edinburgh 1882-1967); R. Pitcairn, Ancient Criminal Trials in Scotland (Edinburgh, 1833); Justiciary Cases, 1624-50 3 vols (Stair Society, 1953-1974); Justiciary Records, 1661-78 2 vols (Scottish History Society,1905).
There may be additional material in the family papers of local landowners and the minute books of local church courts (kirk sessions and presbyteries), which may be held in local archives, The National Library of Scotland, or in the National Records of Scotland. Other evidence comes from the accounts and minute books of burgh councils, recording the expenses of the trial and execution. Extracts from the minutes and accounts of many burghs are published and contain references to witchcraft, usually in the accounts for the costs of staging a witchcraft trial and carrying out the sentence. For local sources on individual cases, visits to local archives and local studies libraries will probably be necessary. In addition to containing references to witchcraft trials, the records of kirk sessions, presbyteries and burgh courts contain occasional accounts of accusations of witchcraft ending up as cases of slander.
Developing skills in reading 16th, 17th and 18th century handwriting is advisable as this topic will give you plenty of practice! There is guidance available on the ScotlandsPeople website and there are also various courses available through universities or the National Records of Scotland.