Upper Lochton, a tranquil spot just a mile north of Banchory, is home to a rather unsettling ghostly encounter. It's a place where the ordinary and the paranormal collide. A driver, returning from Aberdeen on a presumably routine journey, suddenly found himself face to face with a figure clad in a monastic habit. The driver slammed on the brakes, anticipating a collision, but the mysterious figure vanished into thin air, leaving the driver shaken. This bizarre incident occurred in 1990 and remains one of the most inexplicable encounters on these rural roads.

Delving into the historical context of this apparition, one can't help but wonder about the origins of this ghostly monk. The area around Banchory has a rich history, with numerous ancient sites and historical landmarks. While there's no concrete evidence linking the monk to a specific local monastery or historical event, the fact that the figure was dressed in a habit suggests a connection to monastic life. The witness's account is particularly compelling due to its simplicity and lack of embellishment, adding credibility to the sighting. This straightforward testimony leaves us with more questions than answers, inviting further exploration of the paranormal activity in this picturesque region.