Secrets, Theories, and Slander: Who Killed Mary Gunn?

In this episode of Scottish Murders, Dawn covers the perplexing, unsolved 1913 murder of Mary Spear Gunn at Portencross. Drawing on Stephen Brown’s meticulously researched book, "Who Killed Mary Gunn?", the story explores Mary’s life, her relationships, and the fateful night she was gunned down in the remote North Bank Cottage. Dawn walks listeners through the night’s chilling events, police investigations, suspects, and enduring mysteries, focusing on Stephen’s theory of the case. Was it a crime of passion, jealousy, or something more hidden? With lost evidence and rumours swirling around the small Ayrshire community, the episode unravels possible motives and suspects—leaving the question of Mary’s killer, and the roles of Andrew and Elizabeth Gibson, tantalisingly unanswered.

Join Dawn as she invites you to consider the clues and form your own theory about this haunting century-old Scottish mystery.


SOURCES:
Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/maryspiergunn

British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

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CREDITS:
Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn
Hosted by Dawn Young
Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young
Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

MUSIC:
ES_Battle of Aonach Mor - Deskant - epidemicsound