New Murals Spotlight Aberdeen’s Dark History of Witch Hunting

The silver buildings of Scotland’s Granite City are now awash with colour, having been painted in a new light by the artists visiting for the world-leading street art festival, Nuart Aberdeen. However, there are two particular murals that capture the mind’s eye and stir the soul – the ones that spotlight the women who died at the stake during the Scottish witch trials.
These murals are the work of Milu Correch, an Argentinian street artist adored for her large-scale masterpieces. Giant and contemplative, both pieces feature two women in reference to the witch hunts that plagued Scotland during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Correch, who resides and works in Buenos Aires, draws upon literature, women’s histories and film for inspiration. She branched into the field after taking a workshop by famed Argentinian muralists Lean Frizzera and Emy Mariani, which encouraged her to ‘upscale her notebook images’.
One such Aberdonian mural depicts two witches dressed in black with white masks smothering their faces as their bodies rest upon each other.

The second shows a further two witches on their knees exposed and naked with a cloth drenched over their heads.

Although an unnerving facet of Scottish history, Correch – who is known to explore and anatomise so-called moral and aesthetic truths with an unflinching satirical stance – pays tribute to the women charged of witchcraft, most of whom endured brutal torture methods to elicit a confession.
Witches and healers were long regarded as acceptable society members until the late 16th century, when anyone practising magic, good or bad, was accused of having a pact with the devil. Approximately 80% of witchcraft cases in Scotland involved women. Records show that between 1596 and 1597, 45 women and only two men were charged in and around Aberdeen. Endless accounts exist of the many women tried and prosecuted in Aberdeen at the Tolbooth for ‘witchcraft, sorcery and other diabolical and detestable practices’.

The Scottish Witchcraft Act of 1563 banned the use of ‘any manner of witchcraft, sorcery or necromancy’ and only exacerbated society’s intense magic phobia. The late 16th century witnessed Scotland’s first mass witch trial in North Berwick. The hysteria, in part, was spearheaded by King James VI, who blamed witchcraft for the harsh weather conditions and other difficulties endured (like the loss of an attendant ship) when trying to bring his wife back from Denmark. The king also proclaimed sorcery spanned all social classes and ages. Utterances of dark deeds like sexual encounters with the devil and animal sacrifices were amassed during the witch hunt torture sessions. Countless souls were strangled and burned at the stake.

These compelling murals were crafted by Correch for Nuart Aberdeen, a new international platform for artists from all parts of the world to unite, create and inspire with a series of site-specific murals, installations, interventions and temporary exhibitions. This artistic celebration was brought to the Granite City by the makers of the internationally renowned Nuart Festival in Aberdeen’s twin city of Stavanger, Norway.
Martyn Reed, director and curator of Nuart, stated that ‘Street Art’s very existence, not to mention its popularity, is a reflection that we need to explore and promote alternatives to the prevailing status quo. Something Nuart has been dedicated to realising since its inception in 2001.’

‘Nuart Aberdeen takes a proactive stance in the democratization of art, not only through access and engagement but in the production of public art itself. It aims to act as a catalyst for individual and community development, agency and positive change.’
Delve deeper into Scotland’s burgeoning street art scene and check out the mural culture in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.