Thursday April 24th 2025
From left to right - Amanda, Shelley, Kay, Gordon, Susie and Holly. Photographer Gordon Peerless.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
This week a memorial sculpture and information board is being formally unveiled in Trinity Church Grounds in Penicuik. Bringing a 18 month project to an emotional conclusion. A modern-day reminder of the towns dark past. There will be a small service, with a lone piper Karen, a moment for reflection where a wreath made by local lady Hazel will be laid and a pause of silence to think about the unthinkable suffering these women encountered.
The idea was born and the Penicuik Witch Trials established in October 2023. The aim to have a fitting piece made in dedication to the 11 Penicuik women accused of Witchcraft, some being brutally executed, during the 1600 Scottish Witch Hunts.
The project started with a table full of raffle prizes and three local ladies Shelley, Sylvia and Ashley, fundraising at the annual spring fair. The Penicuik Witch Trials Campaign Group formed shortly after involving Shelley, Kay, Holly, Susan and Amanda. Leading to fundraising at the Towns Annual Hunter and Lass Gala day. The group moved things forward with the campaign.
A simple and unique metal sculpture was designed and commissioned with eleven delicate forget me knot flowers symbolising each victim. Standing tall and proud in the ground bound by wire. Created by local skilled metal worker Gordon Leavy of GL Metal Works. The piece was funded via the local business group Shop Penicuik First CIC who had received a small grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to contribute to the memorial.
A fitting information board showing the victims names and the strands of information that were found out about them and their plight pulled together.
Alongside images of embroideries made by Holly and June Farwell who said “I think it will be a lovely reminder of the women who were so cruelly treated in the past”.
Included is an intriguing photo taken of the church yard grounds by Bill Baird from the local camera club. It was supported by Rodd Lugg from Penicuik Heritage Re-generation group and Midlothian Provost Debbi McCall who championed the concept from the outset.
Campaigner Shelley stated “I set out hoping to have a small remembrance piece for the women. The group formed and plans developed, my hopes and expectations were hugely surpassed. The local and wider community really came together to ensure these women won’t be forgotten. At every point people have listened and welcomed the cause. This is a great privilege to have in our town for towns folk and for those who come to visit.
“We thank every single person involved in whatever way that has been. Many already mentioned but also Simon and The Royal Hotel for hosting refreshments, Gordon Peerless from the camera club, Wayne for the PA system. Penicuik Guerrilla Gardeners for the barrel planter. Penicuik and District Community Council. RAWS for sharing knowledge at the outset. To the inspiring Clare and Zoe from Witches of Scotland and their fabulous podcast.”
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