There are many interpretations of the story, but he is variously thought to portend the death of a member of the Ogilvy family, Earl of Airlie or the owners of Cortachy Castle.
[2] The ghost is thought to be the spirit of a drummer for the Carlisle family; who was thrown out of a window in the high tower of the castle after incurring the jealousy of the then Lord.
[citation needed] The most famous sighting of the drummer is said to have occurred in 1844, when Lady Airlie (or, in some versions of the tale, her guests) reportedly heard the mysterious drumming noise.
"[1] Lady Airlie died in June 1845 after giving birth to her fourth son, Donald Bruce Ogilvy.
A few years later, a young Englishman, who was shooting at a lodge at night with Lord Airlie, reportedly heard the drummer.