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Initially and out of curiosity the locals flocked to Buchan Ha’ to see for themselves this strange group which had arrived among them. These people were more used to the moderate teachings of the church tempered with the stern high-souled virtues of their covenanting forefathers so the scandalous way of living adopted by the newcomers was totally unacceptable. Their curiosity satisfied the people ceased visiting them and feelings of a more hostile nature took the place of curiosity. They readily adopted the Irvine theory of witchcraft: Andrew Innes blamed the local ministers for stirring up hostile feelings toward them.

Eventually some of the bolder and more turbulent of the local residents decided to follow the example set by the people of Irvine and drive the Buchanites from the parish. The night of December 24th 1784 was chosen as the night of attack. The snow was lying a foot deep by evening: the plan was to capture “Luckie Buchan” and her Man Child “in the midst of their fanatical devotees” but Mother Buchan and her friends had been tipped off. Mr.Stewart, factor for the Closeburn Estate, had discovered the plot and deciding that they were peaceful and useful neighbours whatever their religious beliefs, said he would give refuge to Mother Buchan and The Reverend White. The rest were to remain at Buchan Ha’ to offer passive resistance.

On the evening of December 24th lanterns began to twinkle on the high ground above Buchan Ha’, shots were fired to signal the start of the attack and within a few minutes more than a hundred men were gathering around the house armed with bludgeons, pitchforks and flails. The Buchanites by this time were inside the house and had bolted the door and made fast the windows. One of the men banged hard on the door demanding admittance, and as there was no answer, he banged again even louder, threatening to burn the house down if Luckie Buchan and her Man Child were not sent out immediately.

The men set about breaking in the doors and windows and eventually gained entry in to the house where they were surprised to see all sitting as though nothing had happened. They then began inspecting the faces of all inside looking for Mother Buchan: not finding her they demanded to know where she was. Upon being informed she was where they could not possibly find her they began turning over beds and chests: they searched the farmer’s house and barns: they even checked the well but to no avail. Not finding her they returned to the house and ordered everyone out and proceeded to drag them off in all directions but mainly towards the Thornhill road. They eventually got tired of this and dispersed leaving the Buchanites to return to their ruined home and make themselves as comfortable as possible for the rest of the night.

Mr Davidson later brought charges of rioting against more than forty of the individuals involved. They were arrested and taken to Dumfries, where the trial was not finished until 1 o clock in the afternoon of the following day, the delay being that “the Buchanites disapproved of this vindication of their rights to be let alone” and when called as witnesses, gave evidence with the greatest reluctance. One of them was committed to prison for prevaricating before the others could be persuaded to give evidence. Despite this, thirteen of the rioters were find fifteen Scots pounds and ordered to keep the peace for twelve months. The case against the others was continued for five weeks. The rioters appealed to the ensuing Circuit Court but the sentence was upheld.