The Phantom Drummer of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle, perched on volcanic rock overlooking the Scottish capital, is home to one of Scotland’s most famous ghosts: the headless drummer whose appearance is said to presage disaster.

The Legend

The drummer first appeared in 1650, before Oliver Cromwell’s army attacked Edinburgh. Since then, the sound of phantom drums has been reported before significant events, including attacks on the castle and national disasters.

No one knows who the drummer was in life. Some believe he was a messenger killed for bringing bad news. Others suggest he was executed for desertion or treachery.

Encounters

Visitors and staff report hearing drumming when no one is playing. The sound seems to come from the castle’s walls themselves. Sometimes a headless figure in period military dress is seen marching along the battlements.

The drumming has reportedly been heard before significant events in Scottish history, serving as an omen of trouble to come.

Other Castle Ghosts

The castle is also haunted by:

• The ghost of Lady Glamis, burned as a witch in 1537
• A headless piper who disappeared in tunnels beneath the city
• The spirits of prisoners who died in the dungeons
• A dog that wanders the castle grounds

Assessment

Edinburgh Castle’s dramatic setting and violent history make it fertile ground for ghost legends. The phantom drummer represents Scotland’s most famous castle ghost, his drumming a warning that echoes through centuries.