John Scott or Jock the Spider: The Notorious Scottish Outlaw of the 17th Century

In the heart of Scotland, in a time when tales of rogues and outlaws were whispered around dimly lit taverns, there lived a man whose very name struck fear into the hearts of the people: Jock the Spider. His real name was John Scott, but his notoriety as a cunning thief and outlaw earned him a nickname that would echo through the annals of history.

The story of Jock the Spider begins in the early 17th century when he embarked on a path that would lead to a life of crime and infamy. As we delve into the annals of history, we'll uncover the events and circumstances that shaped the life of this legendary Scottish outlaw.

The Early Days of Jock Scott

Jock Scott was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He hailed from humble beginnings, born to a family struggling to make ends meet in the rugged Scottish landscape. The harsh realities of life in the 17th century made it challenging for people like the Scotts to put food on the table.

As a young lad, Jock was no stranger to hard work. He would labor in the fields, tending to the meager crops his family managed to grow. However, life in the rural areas of Scotland was not only about toil and sweat; it was also about close-knit communities and a strong sense of loyalty to one's own.

The Descent into a Life of Crime

It was in these small, tightly-knit communities that Jock the Spider would find his early mentors and friends. As he grew older, he became drawn to a different path, a path that would eventually lead him astray. His companions, like George Scott, known as Deringstoun, and Rowie Scott, nicknamed Bowie of Huntlyhill, were not the most law-abiding citizens themselves. They introduced Jock to the world of thievery and mischief.

The first crime that John Scott, alias Jock the Spider, was accused of was a theft of several sheep in the month of October in 1612. The stolen livestock belonged to Adame Almoufe, a tenant of the Laird of Chisholm, from the land called Mouslie. It was a daring heist, and it marked the beginning of Jock's life as an outlaw.

The Cunning Spider Weaves His Web

Jock the Spider had a reputation for his cunning and evasive tactics. As the accusations against him continued to pile up, he earned his moniker. His ability to steal, evade capture, and melt into the shadows earned him a certain level of respect among the criminal underworld. He wasn't just a common thief; he was a master of his craft.

In February 1613, he struck again, this time stealing a ewe and a year-old sheep from George Scott's Castell-hill lands. The authorities were baffled by Jock's audacity and the cleverness with which he executed his crimes. But they weren't the only ones who recognized his abilities.

The Chase Heats Up

As Jock the Spider continued his life of crime, the authorities decided to bring him to justice. Informants came forward to aid in his capture, including Rowie Batie, known as James Rowie, and Rowie Scott of Utterside, among others. With their assistance, Sir William Oliphant of Newtoun, a notable figure, took on the role of prosecutor.

The trial, as recorded in historical documents, unfolded with all the drama and intensity of a Hollywood courtroom scene. Jock Scott, alias Jock the Spider, denied all the charges vehemently, but the evidence against him was mounting.

The Verdict and Sentence

The moment of truth arrived when the jury, comprised of various individuals from the community, presented their verdict. After careful consideration of the evidence and the depositions, they pronounced Jock the Spider guilty of all the theft charges and, significantly, of "common theft and receipt of theft."

The sentence was harsh, reflecting the severity with which crimes were treated during that time. Jock the Spider was to be taken to the Mercat-cross of Edinburgh and hanged until death. All of his property was to be forfeited.

The Legacy of Jock the Spider

Jock the Spider's story is not just a tale of crime and punishment; it's a testament to the hard and unforgiving times of 17th century Scotland. He may have been a notorious outlaw, but his story also sheds light on the struggles of the common folk during those challenging times.

Jock's infamy has lived on through the centuries, his name whispered in dark corners and his exploits recounted in the tales of the borderlands. His cunning and audacity have made him a legendary figure in Scottish folklore, forever known as Jock the Spider.

In the end, Jock's life serves as a reminder of the consequences of choosing a life of crime, and the enduring power of a nickname that can immortalize an individual in history, as Jock the Spider's name still does today.