The Black Colonel of Inverey

Inverey, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

John Farquharson of Inverey — the Black Colonel — was so feared by government forces that after his death they demolished his house and scattered his bones to prevent his spirit from gathering strength.

John Farquharson of Inverey was a historical figure — a Jacobite laird and soldier who was a thorn in the side of government forces in Deeside from the 1680s until his death in the early 18th century. His nickname, the Black Colonel, referred both to his dark complexion and his reportedly ferocious character. He escaped the government twice when his house was besieged — once by jumping a chasm on horseback that government soldiers refused to cross; once by disguising himself and walking through the lines. Both feats were witnessed and have a grounding in documented history. The folklore dimension accumulated after his death. In recognition of his tenacious survival, government forces demolished his house at Inverey stone by stone. His grave — when he finally died, of illness rather than violence — was periodically disturbed by those who feared his ghost would return to continue his resistance. In local tradition, the Black Colonel is not a ghost so much as a persistent principle. He is associated with the area around the Corrie Bhrochain gorge above Inverey, where he was said to have several hiding places. Walkers in the area have reported feeling observed from the heights — the sense of being located by something on the hillside. The tradition says he is still watching the approaches to Deeside, still keeping his guard.

Folklore Disclaimer: These accounts are drawn from local tradition, oral history, and community memory. They are not presented as factual claims.

Location accuracy: Approximate. Coordinates indicate the general area.