When the unfortunate Mary was Queen of Scots, in the year 1571, and the place was in possession of her partisans, it was captured in an extraordinary manner by Crawford, of Jordan Hill, an officer of the Lennox.  He and a few followers, landing there during the night with ladders, climbed the cliffs.  During the ascent one of the party was seized with a paralytic fit.  As any sound would have aroused the garrison, the man was lashed by his companions to the ladder.  It was then turned round, and they all ascended, leaving him hanging there until they had gained the fortress, when he was released.