in 1618 john stewart, said to be a vagabond or juggler, and margaret barclay, wife of archibald dean a burgess of irvine, were tried for witchcraft. they were accused of sinking a ship called "the gift of god of irvine" belonging to john dean, barclay's brother-in-law. margaret barclay was alleged to have wished the crew would be eaten by crabs at the bottom the sea. stewart hung himself, and barclay was tortured, found guilty by her confession, and executed along with isobel scherer who was accused of the same acts.