**This episode contains some descriptions of torture and executions**

If you lived in Scotland in the 1500s, it was highly likely that you, or someone you knew, would be tried as a witch. Witch hunts and executions ripped through the country for over 150 years, with at least 4,000 accused, including men. Professor Suzannah Lipscomb explores this dark chapter in Scottish history with campaigners Claire Mitchell and Zoe Venditozzi, founders of the Witches of Scotland. Together they discuss the societal and legal conditions that allowed for accusations and executions, culminating in a formal apology in 2022 from then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

Theme music from All3Media. Other music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcast.

More:

Witchfinder General

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6b1kxIw1rs903xC8CpAFvL

The Witch

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vMBNuE1iTCcHluxo0a5r2

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