For nearly 175 years — from 1563 until its repeal in 1736 — this act stood as part of Scotland’s law. In that time, it is estimated that 3,000 to 5,000 people were accused of witchcraft. Of those, a staggering 84 percent were women. Torture, often in the form of sleep deprivation and relentless interrogation, was routine. Executions followed — frequently by strangulation or burning — and their bodies were often destroyed so they could not even be buried, denied the final dignity of rest.Our guests know this story better than anyone.Today, we’re joined by Claire Mitchell KC — a distinguished Scottish lawyer, specialising in criminal defence, constitutional and human rights law. She is co-founder of the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/witches.of.scotland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Witches of Scotland</a> campaign, which seeks posthumous pardons, a memorial, and an official apology for those persecuted under the Witchcraft Act.Zoe Venditozzi is a writer, teacher, and co-campaigner. Born and raised in Fife, she brings storytelling, archival curiosity, and moral urgency to this mission. Her literary debut Anywhere’s Better Than Here won the Guardian’s Not the Booker popular prize; now with Claire she’s co-author of <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/56255/9781464241222" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to Kill a Witch: A Guide for the Patriarchy.</a>Their new book weaves together legal history, archival testimony, fictional vignettes, and sharp critique. It lifts the stories of those accused — women, and a few men — out of dusty court records and into the present. It asks: how did this system become possible, and how do we make amends?<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Kill_a_Witch?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a>Merch is here!!! Get your merch <a href="https://dinkypod.myspreadshop.com/all" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOW!</a><b>SMALL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK:</b> <a href="https://www.thornbackacupuncture.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thornback Acupuncture</a> with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dr.racheloristano/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Rachel Oristano</a>.New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to <a href="https://trovatrip.com/trip/asia/vietnam/vietnam-with-erika-abdelatif-apr-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VIETNAM</a> — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. The <a href="https://patreon.com/dinkypod?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dinky Patreon</a> is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a<a href="https://youneedabudget.a4xxmk.net/RGKmWX" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget)</a> and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on <a href="https://substack.com/@dinkypod" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Substack</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dinkypod/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>,<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@dinkypod" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> TikTok</a>,<a href="https://www.threads.net/@dinkypod" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> and Threads</a> at @dinkypod. Follow us on<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@dinkypodcast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> YouTube.</a>If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss">https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support</a>.

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