Haunted history

Historic stone from witch trials returns for public display

- KIERAN WEBSTER

A stone which is linked to the Paisley Witch Trials of 1697 - the last mass witch execution in Europe - has been found and returned to Renfrewshire where it is now on public display.

The Maxwellton Cross tondo, a granite stone which once marked the burial place of the ashes of those executed during the trials, has been returned after 16 years.

It is now being preserved at the Discover Paisley Hub.

The tondo was removed in 2008 during street works and was long thought to be lost or destroyed. However, it has now resurfaced through a local heritage connection and has been entrusted for long-term public display and research.

In 1697, eight people from Renfrewshire were accused of witchcraft.

Four women and three men were executed by strangulation and burning at the stake while another sadly took his own life in prison.