Illustrated talk on Paisley’s 1697 witch trials, the last mass witch hunt in Europe.
Step into Scotland's dark past with a vivid illustrated talk on the 1697 Paisley Witch Trials, Europe’s last mass witch hunt. Discover the human stories behind fear and folklore in Paisley’s historic heart.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
No physical fitness required; suitable for most visitors comfortable with seated events
Wildlife
History
Paisley’s 1697 witch trials marked Europe’s last mass witch hunt, deeply affecting the town’s social fabric and textile community.
Conservation
Discover Paisley promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging use of public transport and supporting local heritage preservation efforts.
Paisley Tours
Illustrated talk on Paisley’s 1697 witch trials, the last mass witch hunt in Europe.
Paisley Tours is a locally based tour operator in Paisley, Scotland, offering a range of guided experiences that highlight the town's cultural, historical and social heritage.
The company runs a suite of experiences including the Paisley Architecture Walking Tour, Historical Walking Tour, Witches Walking Tour, an illustrated talk titled The Paisley Witch Trials: Fear, Folklore and Memory, a Kids Treasure Hunt, and a self-guided Paisley Pub Tour. Tours are designed and led by local guides who draw on Paisley’s medieval roots, the Industrial Revolution and notable local stories to create engaging narratives.
Paisley Tours focuses on factual storytelling and site-based interpretation, bringing visitors to landmarks such as Paisley Abbey and Gallow Green, and exploring episodes like the 1697 witch trials and the accusations involving Christian Shaw. The illustrated talk examines the last mass witch hunt in Europe and considers figures such as Agnes Naismith in a reflective, discussion-led format.
Family-friendly options include an interactive Kids’ Treasure Hunt that uses riddles and teamwork to introduce children to local history. The Paisley Pub Tour offers a flexible, self-paced pub crawl across seven pubs and includes a welcome drink and collectible Paisley-pattern stamps. Across all offerings, Paisley Tours aims to deliver accurate, memorable experiences rooted in the town’s documented past.
Location
Paisley, Scotland
Town with rich heritage
Local Guides
Guided tours
Enthusiastic local storytellers
Tour Lengths
2 hours
Witches Walking Tour duration
Tours Offered
6 experiences
Walks, talks, family hunt, pub crawl
Reserve guided walking tours, illustrated talks, kids’ hunts, or the Paisley Pub Tour to experience authentic local stories.
Arrive Early to Secure Seating
Spaces are limited to 25 guests per session, so arriving 10 minutes early helps ensure your spot.
Use Public Transport
The venue is directly opposite Paisley Gilmour Street Station, making public transport the easiest option; on-site parking is unavailable.
Prepare for Sensitive Content
The talk covers historic trials and executions, which may be distressing for some attendees.
Photography Guidelines
Photography is permitted, but avoid flash or recording that disrupts the speaker to respect the experience.
Comfortable Seating Attire
Wear clothing that keeps you comfortable for a 90-minute indoor seated talk.
Notebook and Pen
Bring something to jot down reflections or questions during the Q&A session.
Camera or Smartphone
For capturing images of the venue and visuals, adhering to non-disruptive use.
Scarf or Light Jacket
The venue can be cool in autumn months, so a layer helps you stay comfortable.
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