THOUSANDS of women executed for witchcraft in Scotland could be pardoned after nearly 300 years.

A private member’s Bill clearing the names of those convicted has won the support of the SNP-Green administration in Holyrood following a Witches of Scotland campaign.

SNP MSP Natalie Don’s Bill could make into law as early as next year.

An estimated 3,837 Scots — 84 per cent of them women — were tried under the Witchcraft Act of 1563. 

Around two-thirds are thought to have been burned at the stake before the law was repealed in 1736.

The Scotsman has said Witches of Scotland will be writing to the National Advisory Council on Women & Girls asking Holyrood to issue an apology this International Women’s Day.

Ms Don told the newspaper: “By righting this wrong we will most certainly make an impact in challenging gendered and patriarchal attitudes which still exist in society today.”