Folklore & Legends · The Borderlands
Witches of Heriot? Searching for the Lost Stone of Mary Gibb
In the hills near Heriot, a search begins for the lost stone known as Mary Gibb’s — the site where a woman was tragically burned for witchcraft. This haunting journey uncovers a dark chapter of Borders history long buried in silence and sorrow.
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In the hills near Heriot, a search begins for the lost stone known as Mary Gibb’s — the site where a woman was tragically burned for witchcraft. This haunting journey uncovers a dark chapter of Borders history long buried in silence and sorrow. Load the film below, then press play to watch it here in the archive.
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In the quiet village of Heriot, nestled deep in the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, an unsettling tale lingers in the mists of local legend — the story of Mary Gibb.
She wasn’t a queen, a poet, or a noblewoman. But according to long-held whispers, she may have met a gruesome fate… burned to death for witchcraft. And today, one man is on a mission to find the stone that marks the place of her tragic end.
A Haunting Heriot Legend
Locals grew up hearing the tale: children gripping each other’s hands, running past a particular patch of woodland near the village — the very place Mary Gibb was said to have been executed. A warning, a ghost story, a chilling bedtime tale.
But was there any truth to it?
And if so — where exactly is this place?
The Search for the Stone
Armed with local knowledge, old maps, and a healthy curiosity, our guide begins his journey through Heriot. It’s a tiny village, easily walked in minutes, but packed with history.
Speaking to long-time residents brought the story closer to life. One source, whose father also lived in Heriot, gave a solid lead: the stone marking Mary Gibb’s death supposedly sits near the roadside — not far from the schoolhouse where generations of children swapped stories of the “witch” of Heriot.
But locating it? That’s another story.
What Are We Looking For?
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A solitary stone marker
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Possibly weather-worn or moss-covered
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Close to the roadside
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Known to locals — but not recorded officially on maps or registers
There are hints. False starts. A few likely contenders. But still, no confirmed Mary Gibb’s stone. Is it hidden? Moved? Forgotten?
Why It Matters
Scotland’s dark history of witch trials is often associated with big cities like Edinburgh. But many witches were accused, tortured, and executed in rural places like Heriot — and often without any record or marker to remember them.
To find the Mary Gibb stone isn’t just about solving a mystery. It’s about acknowledging a part of history that’s too often overlooked or silenced.
Can You Help?
Have you heard of the Mary Gibb stone?
Do you live near Heriot or know someone who does?
Do you have old maps, documents, or oral stories passed down through generations?
Get in touch — or comment on the . The search continues…
Final Thoughts
Mary Gibb may have lived and died centuries ago, but her name still carries power. Whether real or legend, her story stands as a reminder of Scotland’s complicated past — and the women erased from its history books.
The Borders hold many secrets…
And this one might still be waiting to be uncovered.
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