The Ghostly Drummer of Cortachy Castle

By Crusader1307

A tale from 17th Century Scotland, it involves The Earl Airlies of Cortachy Castle, his wife and a Regimental Drummer. As the story goes, The Earl (as most Lords did then), maintained his own personal Regiment of soldiers for protection of his properties (and Royal service, if needed). Apparently, The Earl's wife took a liking to The Regimental Drummer (a handsome Lady by all accounts). An affair started. The Earl learned of such, and captured the Drummer. Taking him to the Upper battlements, he had his drum shoved over his head and pushed down over his body (as a sleeve). The Earl then pushed the Lad over the side - falling to his death. From that day forward, the sounds of a loud beating drum was heard echoing through the Castle. It was so loud at night, no one could sleep. Soon after, The Earl died - of unknown causes. It was claimed after his death, every time the Ghostly Drummer's "beat" was heard, a member of The Airlies Clan would die soon after. This "curse" continued until the last Airlies death in 1907.