mary kennedy of culzean was sir john's ninth heiress bride and one evening whilst walking along the games loup her husband informed her that she was to meet her end, but that he would keep her valuable jewel and gold thread enriched clothes. mary told her husband to act like a gentlemen and to turn his back to preserve her dignity whilst she undressed. upon his turning she grabbed his arm, spun him around and cast him off the cliff to his death. the ghostly screams of sir john or his eight murdered wives are said to have been heard emanating from the castle.