Along the banks of River Ugie, near the historic Inverugie Castle, a local legend tells the tale of a mysterious big black horse. This wasn't just any ordinary horse, but a kelpie, a shape-shifting water spirit from Scottish folklore. One day, a local man spotted the creature grazing by the river and was warned that it was a kelpie. Undeterred, he found a 'waith-horse' bridle and managed to control the beast. The kelpie was then put to work, carrying stones to build a bridge over the river, before being set free.

Historically, kelpies are known to be mischievous water spirits, often depicted as horses or humanoid figures. The story of this kelpie has been passed down through local folklore, with the River Ugie being a site of reported paranormal activity. While there's no recorded date or time for this encounter, the legend has endured, captivating those interested in cryptozoology and the supernatural. The fact that the local man was able to control the kelpie using a 'waith-horse' bridle adds an intriguing layer to this already fascinating tale.