Pardon for witches

New law will wipe out convictions which led to thousands executed

-  ALETHA ADU

THOUSANDS of people convicted and killed as witches could be legally pardoned after almost 300 years.

A law to "right the historic wrong" of witchcraft trials could soon spell out the changes.

In Scotland between the 16th and mid-18th centuries, 1,500 victims mainly women were strangled and burned.

Another 500 died south of the border.

Now Scottish MSP Natalie Don has launched a consultation on her Member's Bill to repeal the convictions. Her move follows an apology to victims from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.