Winter Wild Swimming Guidance in Lochs and Rivers
For many of us, inland wild swimming doesn’t stop when the temperature drops—it simply changes. Winter swimming can be deeply
As Samhain approaches, we reflect on its rich history as a Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. Traditionally, this time was believed to thin the veil between worlds, fostering connections to the spirit realm and the supernatural, including witches.
In Scotland, many accused witches met tragic fates, often through a brutal practice known as “witch dunking.” This horrific test, prevalent during the witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries, involved binding suspects and casting them into lochs. The Nor Loch in Edinburgh witnessed this grim fate for around 300 individuals, reflecting a darker side of Scottish folklore that was spread across the country.
Locations of where other notable witch trials occurred in Scotland:
• North Berwick:
o The infamous North Berwick witch trials began in 1590, involving Agnes Sampson and others accused of witchcraft and consorting with the devil.
• Edinburgh:
o The city was a significant site for witch trials, particularly in the early 17th century. Notable cases include the trials of several women in 1628, many of whom were tortured and executed.
• Paisley:
o The Paisley witch trials took place in 1697, where a group of women were accused of witchcraft, leading to several executions, including that of Isobel Duncanson.
• Aberdeen:
o In the early 17th century, the Aberdeen witch trials resulted in numerous executions. In 1597, a notable case involved the accusation and execution of several women.
• Dornoch:
o The Dornoch witch trials in 1662 involved the execution of several individuals, including a notable case where a woman named Janet Horne was burned at the stake, making her one of the last victims in Scotland.
• Forfar:
o The Forfar witch trials of 1661 saw multiple women accused and executed, reflecting the widespread panic and hysteria of the time.
The practice of “witch dunking,” was rooted in the belief that witches had a pact with the Devil, granting them supernatural powers. This test was predicated on the idea that water, a symbol of purity, would reject the witch. If an accused person sank, they were deemed innocent; if they floated, they were believed to be guilty of witchcraft, as it was thought that the water would not accept them. It was a brutal way to determine guilt, based on the flawed belief that witches had an unnatural affinity for water.
The witch trials in Scotland, particularly from the late 16th to the early 18th centuries, were marked by intense superstition and social turmoil. This period saw thousands accused of witchcraft, with many facing brutal trials and executions. For instance, the North Berwick witch trials of 1590 involved a group of individuals accused of conspiring with the devil. Among them was Agnes Sampson, a healer who was subjected to torture and ultimately executed. The trials were fuelled by a blend of religious passion and fear of the supernatural, often exacerbated by local conflicts and political instability. Just as Samhain invited contemplation of mortality and the supernatural, the witch trials forced communities to confront their fears in a more violent and accusatory manner.
Moreover, the rituals and beliefs surrounding Samhain often included the honouring of ancestors and the acknowledgement of spiritual forces. This reverence for the supernatural might have made it easier for communities to label those who practiced folk medicine or healing—often women—as witches. The accusation of witchcraft, therefore, can be viewed as an extension of societal anxieties about who held power in spiritual matters. The trials reflected not only a fear of the supernatural but also a need to control and define acceptable practices within a community grappling with the shadows of its own cultural beliefs.
Samhain evolved over centuries into the modern celebration of Halloween. This transformation highlights a shift from fear and persecution to a more playful engagement with the supernatural. Today, Halloween embraces the spooky and the macabre, inviting people to celebrate rather than fear what lies beyond.
Here’s a brief look back at just some of things people did in Scotland to celebrate Samhain and Scottish Hallowe’en
Bonfires
The folklore around Samhain leads to the belief that bonfires would form protection from evil and keep people of “ill intent” away.
Turnip Lanterns
The original pumpkin, that would be hung from windows to scare off fairies and ghosts. They’d also have a candle inside to illuminate their carved faces.
Guising
The original trick or treating where parents would disguise their children so they were not stolen by evil spirits. James V liked to dress up and visit the village surrounding Stirling Castle.
Yet, beneath the costumes and festivities lies a lingering awareness of the darker historical narratives, reminding us of the societal anxieties that once fuelled the witch hunts and the importance of reflecting on our cultural history as we celebrate the mystical and mysterious.
For many of us, inland wild swimming doesn’t stop when the temperature drops—it simply changes. Winter swimming can be deeply
I reached out to the pals I swim with as the magic of water resonates with so many people and
I asked my swim buddy to share with me his experience of cold water dipping and what I received was