The Poltergeist Of Rerrick  By Sara Bain It seems strange that,
despite thousands of years of perfecting our native speech, we
have to rely upon our European neighbours to accurately describe
a symptom of paranormal phenomenon. The word "poltergeist"
derives from the German "poltern" to make a racket, and, of
course, "Geist" which could only mean ghost. There is no
alternative translation in the English (and Scottish) language.
Perhaps this is why this exotic word strikes fear and
apprehension in the unsuspecting. How can the dead touch the
living world and, moreover, what harm can it do? The
supernatural remains unproblematic and simple, provided it keeps
itself to itself. When it poses a danger or a threat to the
living, however, it is time to worry. In 1695 a real event
happened to real people in the parish of Rerrick (now
Auchencairn). On a windswept hill on the outskirts of
Auchencairn lies the site of the Ringcroft of Stocking. This was
once the home of farmer Andrew Mackie and his family. Apart from
a