Getting Started
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• Carry out an initial search on the University of Edinburgh's Survey of Scottish Witchcraft Database. This is a great resource where you can search by name, place and date and/or characterisation. Cases where several people were accused are linked together, and you can also view details of commissioners. Be aware: the survey was completed in 2003 and has not been updated since. It is not extensive and key pieces of new research are missing. The project team is also aware of some errors which may be corrected in the future.
   

• In 2019 the University of Edinburgh created an interactive map based on the Survey of Scottish Witchcraft Database. It is an excellent visualisation which shows the spread of the trials across Scotland. Check out what is listed in your local area.
   

• Search online - Google is your friend here! We have a starting list of websites to browse on our Recommended Reading page. Be aware that not all information presented online will be accurate or true. Check that the website has credible references to primary sources, and be critical - watch out for bias or hidden agendas.
   

• Read widely and engage with existing research and literature on the topic. We've gathered some key books on our Recommended Reading page. Many will be available online to purchase, or to borrow from your local library. Some will be available to preview or read through Google Books and Google Scholar. Credible books will list references - check these sources and follow the thread to continue your own research.
   

• Get in touch with local museums and archives. They may have relevant materials in their collection, or can connect you with other researchers who have been working on a similar topic.
   

• Follow the trail of old folk tales and legends from your local area. These may have been passed down from generation to generation, and originally based on a grain of truth.
   

• Take a look at old maps of your town or village. Look for unusual place names (the Witches Hill etc.) which may indicate that an accused witch lived in the area. The National Library of Scotland's map collection and ScotlandsPlaces are incredible resources.
   

• Engage with primary sources (kirk or justiciary records, letters and other correspondence, town council minutes and bookkeeping etc.). Many of these will be available to access through national and local archives, some online. ScotlandsPeople has created this guide to accessing Church Court Records, and a more general guide to virtual volumes.
   

• Engage with the community. Research can be difficult and frustrating work. Take encouragement from the many others who are also working hard to recognise, remember and document the accused witches. Join our Facebook group, or seek out other researchers in your local area.