Brownie of Fincastle Mill

Fincastle Mill was always said to be haunted so nobody would dare set foot in it after dark. Long after the miller had gone home, the machinery could still be heard clanking away in the darkness.

One night a girl was making a cake for her wedding the next day, when she discovered that she was short of flour. Not wanting to disturb anybody late at night, she crept into the mill to grind some herself. She lit a fire and placed a pot of water to boil, but just as she got to work a Brownie appeared.

This little creature worked the mill at night in return for a simple meal and as much flour as he wanted. Seeing the millstones turning, the proud Brownie was offended that the girl was doing his work. In return, she was shocked to find this strange figure beside her.

He asked what her who she was, and the girl nervously replied, "Oh just me, myself". Getting angrier, the Brownie shuffled forward and shouted the question again but once more she replied "me, myself". Unsure if she was making fun of him or simply didn’t understand, the now furious Brownie roared that she must tell him her name! Just as she gave him the same answer as before, she threw the pot of boiling water in his face and watched him run out the door, screaming into the night.

The Brownie was badly injured and fled all the way back to his mother Maggie Moulach. Seeing her son covered in burns, she demanded to know who had injured him so badly. With his very last breath, the poor Brownie whispered “Me, myself”. Maggie assumed that it been her son’s own fault and although tragic, she had to accept his death.

The girl in the mill completed her cake and married the next day. She would often brag to her friends about the time she tricked the Brownie, laughing at the story and rejoicing in her own wit. Years later, Maggie Moulach was walking past a window when she heard the girl telling her favourite story. Filled with rage, she picked up a stool and threw it with such force that it killed the girl instantly, finally getting her revenge.