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                  Where can I find information about a specific witchcraft trial?

                  First ascertain from published sources, including local history sources, the background to the case, especially when the events took place, who was involved, where the trial took place, and the result. Then consult the unpublished calendar of witchcraft cases: C. Larner, C. H. Lee, & H. V. McLachlan, Source Book of Scottish Witchcraft (there are copies at the National Records of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) or G. F. Black, Calendar of Cases of Witchcraft in Scotland, 1510-1727 (New York, 1938). These will be your guide to the survival of judicial records or published accounts of the case. If you then feel that it is necessary to visit an archive, be prepared to make a preliminary enquiry by letter or e-mail rather than just turning up. This might prevent a wasted journey, either because the archive has no relevant material, or because the records are held off-site. The central government records (in particular the justiciary court papers) are held at the National Records of Scotland. Other records such as kirk session and presbytery minutes, estate and family papers and burgh records may be held either there, in the National Library of Scotland, or in local archives or libraries. Make sure to give yourself several hours to carry out research, as it can be time-consuming to read through the variety of records.