Tuesday November 25th 2025
Peebles witch hunt
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
There’s a curtain call for community actors to step into the breach to perform in a new play which explores Peebles ‘darkest days’.
Community thespians from Peebles, Stobo, Lyne, West Linton and all across the area are needed to take to the stage in Rope & Flame, based on the Peebles Witch Trials of 1629 which resulted in the loss of 27 lives.
The Dragonfly theatre production, written by Anita John, Vivien Reid and Clare Prenton and inspired by Mary W Craig’s book Borders Witch Hunt, will be performed in Peebles and Duns next spring.
A deadline of December 15 has been set for actors to come forward. If you are interested email: dragonflytpscotland@gmail.com
The production has attracted funding from Destination Tweed, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Strathmartine Trust.
Rehearsals will take place from January to May culminating in two performances at the town’s Eastgate Theatre and at the 2026 Duns Play Fest.
Producer Clare Prenton said: “We are grateful to Destination Tweed for supporting this work which reflects a dark time in our history and which took place right here on the Tweed at Peebles.
“I believe there are lessons still to be learned for us all around the dangers of loose talk and malicious gossip, by delving into what was an uncomfortable time for the town, and seeing it from multiple perspectives.”
Charlotte Douglas, senior project officer at Tweed Forum, which leads the Destination Tweed Project, said: “We’re proud to support this powerful community project which brings to life an important, if difficult, chapter in the history of Peebles.
“Rope & Flame not only connects people with the heritage of the River Tweed and its communities but also encourages reflection on how stories of the past continue to shape our present.
“It’s another wonderful example of creativity and collaboration at work in the local community and we’re greatly looking forward to seeing the premiere of this unique production.”
Up to 30 roles are available, for performers aged 16-plus with an adult community cast, ably lead by popular local professional actor Scott Noble, who will play the key role of the Rev. Archibald Syd, the local minister of Peebles responsible for ridding the town of witchcraft.
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