Johnnie Faa is associated with the tragic tale of "The Countess and the Gypsy", a version of the ballad known as "The Raggle Taggle Gyspy". The story runs that Faa, styled King of the Gypsies, ran away with a Countess of Cassilis. Her enraged husband caught up with them at a ford over the Doon, still called the Gypsies’ Steps.
Johnnie Faa is linked to the sad story of "The Countess and the Gypsy", a version of the ballad known as "The Raggle Taggle Gypsies". The tale suggests that Faa, referred to as King of the Gypsies, eloped with a Countess of Cassilis. Her furious husband pursued them at a ford over the Doon, which is still called the Gypsies' Steps.