THE story of Scottish witch trials in the 16th and 17th centuries is to be told through music in West Barns.

Rachel Newton and Lauren MacColl perform as Heal & Harrow and visit the village hall as part of West Barns Live on Saturday.

The witch trials were one of the darkest periods of Scotland’s history. About 2,500 people were executed, 80 per cent thought to be women.

A spokesperson for West Barns Live said: “Heal & Harrow pay a humanising tribute to these women, while also exploring historical beliefs in the supernatural and modern-day parallels in our society.

“Each piece of music is based on specially commissioned works by celebrated author Mairi Kidd – tales inspired by and in remembrance of real women who were persecuted and tried as witches, and characters from the folkloric tales and mythology enshrined in our oral culture.

“Their performance features newly composed music with accompanying visuals by Alison Piper to highlight this fascinating and important subject.”

The concert gets under way at 7.30pm. Go to eventbrite.com/e/heal-harrow-tickets-861008689167 for tickets.