Jamie Fleeman

[2][3] Fleeman is described as having a large round head with dull hair that stood on end giving the impression he had been "scared out of his wits", broad shouldered and possessing formidable strength.

[4][5] The home of Sir Alexander Guthrie near Ludquharn was where Fleeman spent his childhood days but he was already being favoured by other local gentry for his ready wit and amusing remarks.

[6] Most of his life was then predominantly spent as a part of the Laird of Udny's household although Fleeman still roamed wherever he chose.

His primary function was to provide amusement to the family but he also worked as a farm labourer tending cows and geese.

He is specifically mentioned by Reverend John Imray of Longside Parish under Section II, eminent characters of the New Statistical Account of Scotland 1845, where it states:[10] No offence is meant by introducing here the name of an individual who had a county (if not a national) reputation, and whose printed memorabilia have gone through several editions.

His name appears frequently in the session's list of paupers and his sayings and doings have been a theme of wonderment to a generation or two.In 1734 Fleeman was with the Laird of Udny and his family at Knockhall Castle.

Initially Fleeman did not attempt to rouse anyone he disliked, including a bad-tempered domestic servant who he felt generally treated him badly.

[15] He was able to move around the area without being questioned or suspected of any illicit activity and she used him to deliver messages when she was mustering support for the Jacobite rebellion.

In the 1914 collection of works entitled Dracula's Guest and Other Weird Stories, first published after Stoker's death, in the tale called "Crooken Sands", Mr Markham has asked his companion if he saw someone else dressed in the same manner as his own.

[17] The fictional character of Davie Gellatley who appears in the 1814 novel Waverley by Sir Walter Scott is thought to be based on Fleeman.

[19] Some of Fleeman's remarks and actions were also recapped in a newspaper article in a significant weekly publication in New Zealand in 1889.