A new Scottish tartan has been created to honor the victims of the Witchcraft Act that was enforced in Scotland between 1563 and 1736. This law led to the execution of thousands of individuals, particularly targeting women who were accused of conspiring with the devil. The tartan, officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans, features a striking pattern in black, gray, red, and pink colors.
The creators of this tartan, Claire Mitchell and Zoe Venditozzi, are part of the Witches of Scotland campaign, which aims to seek a pardon, apology, and national memorial for those accused and convicted under the Witchcraft Act. Their efforts have already seen some success, with Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, issuing a formal apology for the persecution of those targeted by the law.
Inspired by the idea of creating a physical monument to honor the victims, Mitchell and Venditozzi decided to design a tartan instead. Working with Clare Campbell of the Prickly Thistle tartan weaving mill, they carefully crafted a pattern rich in symbolism. The black and gray colors represent the dark times and ashes of those burned, while the red symbolizes the victims’ blood and the pink represents the legal tapes used during that era.
Every aspect of the tartan, from the thread count to the colors and stripes, holds deep significance related to the history of the Witchcraft Act and the goals of the Witches of Scotland campaign. The creators plan to use the tartan to make kilts and other garments, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity to create a “living memorial.”
The Witchcraft Act was a dark period in Scottish history, with an estimated 2,500 individuals, mostly women, being killed under its reign. The last execution took place in 1727, and the law was eventually repealed in 1736. The new tartan serves as a powerful tribute to those who suffered unjustly during this time, ensuring that their memory is honored and preserved for generations to come.
