BBC ALBA’s award-winning current affairs programme, Eòrpa, recently aired a programme about historical witchcraft persecution.

Reporter Eileen Macdonald interviewed women’s rights activists, local groups memorialising accused witches and campaigners who support Natalie Don MSP’s proposed Witchcraft Convictions (Pardons) (Scotland) Bill.

On International Women’s Day 2022, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon issued a formal apology to those people – around 85% of them women – who were tortured and executed under the Witchcraft Act 1563.

Campaigners argue that more should be done, believing the slew of convictions over this period should be taught about in schools and that a national monument should be created to remember the victims.

There are several communities in Scotland, including here in Orkney, who have already taken action and erected memorials to those who were condemned by the state and executed as witches.

If you missed the programme which first aired on December 15th it will be available on  BBC iPlayer