Haptic & Hue Podcast Episode Summary
Title: The Witches of Scotland: How a New Tartan Became a Living Memorial
Host: Jo Andrews
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Introduction
In the June 5, 2025 episode of Haptic & Hue's Tales of Textiles, host Jo Andrews delves into the poignant story behind the creation of a new Scottish tartan designed as a living memorial for the victims of the Witchcraft Act of 1563-1736. This episode not only explores the intricate design of the tartan but also the profound historical injustices it seeks to commemorate.
Background: The Witchcraft Act in Scotland
The episode opens with Jo Andrews introducing the tragic history of witchcraft accusations in Scotland. Joe Andrews states at [00:20], "In late February this year, a new entry was quietly made into the official Scottish Register of tartans. Number 14651. It says this design was created to memorialise those who suffered as a result of the Witchcraft Act 1563-1736 in Scotland."
Claire Mitchell, a key figure in the campaign, provides context on the severity of the witch trials: "At the moment, it is thought that approximately 4,000 people were accused, 85% of that number being women. And of those approximately two-thirds were executed" ([04:31]).
The Witches of Scotland Campaign
Claire Mitchell and Zoe Vendettozzi spearheaded the Witches of Scotland campaign, aiming to secure an official apology, pardon, and memorial for those unjustly accused and executed. The campaign originated from Claire's personal reflections on the lack of recognition for women's contributions and sufferings in Scottish history. At [06:45], Claire Mitchell shares her epiphany:
"I thought, I want a pardon for all those who were convicted of witchcraft. I want an apology for all those that were accused because many died still being accused and not yet convicted. And I want a memorial so that we can remember the women that were executed as witches in Scotland."
Creation and Significance of the Memorial Tartan
The heart of the episode revolves around the newly registered tartan designed to serve as a living memorial. Zoe Vendettozzi recounts the unexpected viral spread of the tartan design:
"We didn't even get a chance to tell people that we designed it... It went viral... This is something that Claire Campbell at Prickly Thistle has invented and designed for us" ([01:28]).
Jo Andrews highlights the overwhelming demand: "The tartan is now rolling off the mills, but don't ask for a metre of it just yet. It's all been snapped up in advance and there's a waiting list of more than 5,000 people" ([02:15]).
Design Details of the Tartan
Claire Mitchell elaborates on the symbolism embedded in the tartan's design ([28:15]):
- Black Squares: Represent the dark times of the Witchcraft Act, each square consisting of 173 threads to mark the 173 years the act was in force.
- Grey and Pinkish Red: Grey memorializes the ashes of those who were burnt, while pinkish red signifies the legal tapes used to bind papers during the era and today.
- Three White Strands: Symbolize the three pillars of the campaign: the memorial, the apology, and the pardon.
She emphasizes the legal aspect of the witch trials:
"We wanted to remind people that this was something done within law. It's a warning. It's to let people know that these things were legal and the law will not protect you in that way" ([28:25]).
Reception and Impact
The tartan's reception has been global, resonating with diverse audiences. Zoe Vendettozzi notes the tartan's appeal beyond campaign supporters:
"Most people like it because it's a rebellious thing... they want to wear it, particularly Americans, so they can kinda do the twos up to the patriarchy" ([31:48]).
Academician Marianne Gibson is cited, stating:
"The aim of all witch trials, ancient and modern, is to exercise power over others. To silence, to hurt, to judge, to kill" ([31:00]).
Personal Stories: Julianne Tomasi's Ancestry
The episode features Julianne Tomasi, who discovered her ancestors were victims of witchcraft accusations in Connecticut. She shares her emotional journey in uncovering her family's tragic history:
"I was stunned, to be perfectly honest... as a mother, I can't imagine going to the gallows and leaving children behind" ([33:51]).
Julianne highlights the often-overlooked personal toll of witch trials, emphasizing that these were not just historical events but deeply personal tragedies for countless families.
Future of the Memorial
While Scotland has yet to establish a physical memorial akin to those in other countries, the tartan serves as a portable and personal monument. Claire Mitchell expresses her vision for the tartan's role in fostering conversations about history and misogyny:
"We want to encourage women to take up space, to talk about things, to assert themselves. And one way they can do that is to wear the tartan" ([38:56]).
The high demand indicates a strong public interest in remembering and acknowledging these historical injustices through everyday wearable art.
Conclusion
Jo Andrews concludes the episode by reflecting on the enduring legacy of the witch trials and the significance of the tartan as both a memorial and a statement of resilience. The tartan not only honors those who suffered but also empowers current and future generations to remember and learn from the past.
For more information, listeners are encouraged to visit www.hapticandhue.com and explore the Witches of Scotland campaign, including Zoe and Claire's newly published book, How to Kill: A Guide for the Patron Patriarchy.
Notable Quotes:
- Jo Andrews ([00:20]): "A piece of new cloth is being asked to stand as a national memorial to commemorate events of hundreds of years ago."
- Zoe Vendettozzi ([01:28]): "This is something that Claire Campbell at Prickly Thistle has invented and designed for us."
- Claire Mitchell ([06:45]): "I thought, I want a pardon... I want an apology... I want a memorial."
- Zoe Vendettozzi ([31:48]): "Most people like it because it's a rebellious thing."
- Claire Mitchell ([28:25]): "It's a warning. It's to let people know that these things were legal and the law will not protect you in that way."
This episode of Haptic & Hue masterfully intertwines textile artistry with historical remembrance, demonstrating how fabric can serve as a powerful medium for storytelling and advocacy.