In 1845, writing for the New Statistical Account of Scotland, the minister of Gask in Perthshire described the historic local features of the Gask Ridge, including a prominent Roman causeway and a location known as the “Witchknowe”. [1] (https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/sct/PER/Findogask), [2] (https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/sct/PER/Findogask/Gaz1868)
Specifically, the parish minister noted that: A Roman causeway constructed of compactly built rough stone, measuring 20 feet in width, ran directly through the parish. This causeway was flanked at regular intervals by traces of ancient Roman fortified stations or watchtowers. One of these small stations along the Roman road—the Witchknowe—had “from time immemorial” been locally identified as the traditional spot selected for the burning of witches (or “votaries of the black art”).
[1] (https://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townhistory8152.html), [2] (https://libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk/statacc/tag/research/), [3] (https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/sct/PER/Findogask)
