A town is to mark Halloween by officially pardoning 81 witches executed more than 400 years ago.
The pardons were granted under ancient feudal powers due to be abolished within weeks.
Descendants and namesakes of those put to death in the town of Prestonpans, East Lothian, during Scotland's 16th and 17th century witch-hunts are expected to attend tomorrow's ceremony.
More than 3,500 Scots, mainly women, were executed in the Reformation atmosphere of paranoia and suspicion that reached its peak under the rule of King James VI
later King James I of England.
But many were condemned on the flimsiest evidence - simply for owning black cats, brewing up home-made remedies or cursing a neighbour who was subsequently struck down by a common illness of the time.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article