We continue a series of arcticles on Halloween 'News' stories from the archives, as today we look back at the witches of Inverkip!

In the 1600s. Inverkip was believed to be a centre, allegedly, for witchcraft, and many burnings of women accused of witchcraft took place. In 1662. an application was made by Sir Archibald Stewart of Blackhall, Laird of Ardgowan, to the Privy Council for a Royal Commission to enquire into the problem.
During this event, an 18 year old Marie Lamont was tried as a witch in front of the commission, and was burned at the stake.
There were also tales of a local landowner, Alexander Dunrod was a practising warlock, living with witches among his tenants. However, he lost of his great possessions, and turned to the selling of charms and the practice of the black arts in this latter days.

Look out for part 3 tomorrow ... When drunken sailor Jack encountered the witches of Largs!