RGU Crime Files
Welcome to RGU Crime Files, the podcast that unearths the North-east of Scotland's most gripping true crime stories and the legal and social questions they raise.
Hosted by Pete McIntosh and featuring expert voices from Robert Gordon University’s School of Law and Social Sciences, each episode explores a real-life historic case that shook communities, tested the justice system, and still resonates today.
This isn’t just about what happened, it’s about why it matters. Through compelling storytelling and expert discussion, we’ll examine the lasting impact of these crimes on society, law, and public perception.
Whether you're a true crime fan, a student of justice, or simply curious about how the past shapes our world today, RGU Crime Files invites you to go beyond the headlines and into the heart of the case.
RGU Crime Files
Episode 4 - Witches in Aberdeen
In the late 16th century, Aberdeen became a hotspot for one of the darkest chapters in Scottish history. Accusations of witchcraft spread like wildfire, fuelled by fear, superstition, and the influence of King James VI.
In 1597 alone, 31 people were accused. 27 were executed. This episode explores the paranoia behind the witch trials, the brutal treatment of the accused, and the societal forces that enabled the persecution.
Featuring expert insights from Robert Gordon University’s School of Law and Social Sciences, we reflect on what these events reveal about justice, fear, and the dangers of unchecked power.
Curious to learn more? Turn curiosity into a career and explore RGU’s range of law and criminology courses at rgu.ac.uk/lawandsocialsciences.
