Tag: Loch Ness Monster

Nessie Hunt: the jury’s oot!

Biggest search for Nessie in 50 years concludes with hydrophone capturing loud underwater noises and several potential sightings

Hundreds of volunteers and media participated in the largest surface area search of Loch Ness in 50 years this weekend, with numerous potential sightings and strange noises heard from the depths of Loch Ness.

Wild weather on Saturday (nicknamed ‘Nessie’s revenge’) did not put off hardy hunters who flocked along both sides of the 23-mile long loch to volunteer in the surface watch, alongside hundreds who participated online via webcams.

Highlights from the weekend included:

  • Four mysterious and previously unheard loud noises from the depths of the loch
  • Possible video footage of the monster with mysterious ‘humps’ filmed on the loch moving, before disappearing
  • An online volunteer captured a giant shadow just under the surface, moving, dipping out of sight, then returning and swimming across again
  • Multiple submissions of potential sightings via sighting form submissions including streaks in the water

Nessie is clearly still capturing people’s imagination and interest as much today as it did 90 years ago.

The mysterious monster has become so popular worldwide that Continuum Attractions (which runs award winning visitor attractions across the UK) has recently invested into the new Loch Ness Centre, giving visitors and enthusiasts the chance to take a tour and learn more about the history, view real artefacts, and see the scientific evidence. At the end of the experience guests are given the chance to debate the existence of Nessie.

Christie McLeod, who travelled to take part from Toronto, Canada, said: “I’ve been hunting the monster for nine years, but this is my first official hunt.

“I’ve previously hired my own boat, so this is great as it’s organised by Loch Ness Exploration with support from the Loch Ness Centre. I’ve heard lots of stories from the locals, which all contradict each other.

“There are two types of people in the world, Nessie believers and non-believers, and I’m not interested in the latter. I have a spiritual connection to the Loch Ness monster and think there is a portal to another dimension in the loch.”

Paul Nixon, General Manager of the Loch Ness Centre, said, “This excitement this weekend has proven that the ongoing hunt for the Loch Ness Monster is still very much alive and continues to draw and attract a global audience, from America, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and more.

“We all want the same thing, to see and find out what the Loch Ness monster is. We’ve been delighted to welcome so many people into the Loch Ness Centre for visitor centre tours and Deepscan boat trips across the weekend.” 

Alan McKenna, of Loch Ness Exploration, said: “I’d like to thank all the volunteers who have supported us over the weekend, both in person and online.

“It’s been an exceptional weekend, with lots of potential sightings and huge interest from across the globe. We know the monster is elusive, so it is not surprising we don’t have a concrete sighting, but we’ve all had lots of fun and proven the mystery lives on. As for what happens next, watch this space…!”

To book your trip to The Loch Ness Centre or a cruise tour, please visit: lochness.com.

Nessie story resurfaces after 90 years

£1.5 million investment reimagines the Loch Ness story with brand new immersive experience for new generation 

The wait is almost over for global tourists to the Highlands and Monster spotters, as the newly imagined Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit near Inverness will officially open its doors on Saturday 10th June.

The Loch Ness Centre, located at one of Scotland’s most famous tourist destinations, is nearing completion following a major refurbishment by Continuum Attractions, following its take over earlier this year. £1.5m has been invested in a full upgrade to enhance the visitor experience, allowing people to explore the legend and myths of Loch Ness through immersive tours and also via trips aboard the attraction’s famous research vessel, Deepscan.

Guests will become part of the Centre’s ongoing Quest with regular updates on all the latest news, developments, and Nessie sightings. The attraction is investing in support for Loch Ness Exploration teams to help ensure the search continues for a new generation.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the famous sighting of Nessie, by Aldie Mackay, in 1933 which catapulted Scotland, Loch Ness, and its monster phenomenon into hearts and minds across the world.

The ‘Monster Spotted’ headline went global, launching Loch Ness centre stage into worlds media and attracting visits from around the world. A media frenzy ensued, just one real story celebrated at the new Loch Ness Centre.

The centre’s social channels have received numerous messages from excited fans, ranging from as far as the United States to Kent, one follower saying ‘Do you have an opening date yet? I’m super excited to see the new centre’.

Visitors will soon have the opportunity to try the new experience, which is located at the epicentre of legendary tales and activity – the old Drumnadrochit Hotel, the home of former Manageress Aldie Mackay.

The experience features seven stories told in a variety of exciting ways: they celebrate This Majestic Place, Scottish Myths and Legends and the scientific search for the Truth;  just three areas of the attraction which features real artefacts and peoples’ witness statements. 

The new one-hour experience offers guests the chance to immerse themselves in the story of the legend and explore the real stories of Loch Ness.

Guests will walk through 500 million years of history to explore the myths and examine the scientific research surrounding the monster. Guests can hear real people’s stories, discover artefacts, and hear scientific debate on the existence of Nessie, a phenomenon boasting over 1,000 eyewitness accounts and recorded sightings, alongside lots of unexplained evidence.

Voyage seekers will also have the extraordinary chance to explore the depths of the world’s most famous Loch with Deepscan Captain, Alistair Matheson, the Skipper for the Loch Ness Project. Guests can book a trip on board the vessel, named after the famous expedition carried out on the Loch in 1987. 

The one-of-a-kind cruise takes up to 12 guests on a very special journey witnessing the breath-taking beauty of Urquhart Castle and searching the depths of the Loch using specialist sonar equipment on board, sailing across the magnificent water that intrigues visitors just as much today, as it did back when Aldie Mackay first spotted the ‘beast’ 90 years ago. It’s strongly recommended to book in advance to secure your spot with Skipper and increase your chance of spotting Nessie the National treasure.

Juliana Delaney, Chief Executive of Continuum, said: “We are thrilled to finally announce our opening date The Loch Ness Centre, it’s been a highly anticipated date! From 10th June we look forward to welcoming guests from across the UK and the globe, excited to join us for this must visit experience when they arrive in the Highlands.

“We now present the story of this global phenomenon in a modern and engaging way. We appreciate we are only guardians of this legend as many Nessie enthusiasts are truly passionate about this place and its history.

“We wanted to involve them and the community to get it right for the locals and tourists alike. At Continuum, we are passionate about finding great stories in great locations – and this really is Scotland’s best story.”

To guarantee entry on the date and time of your choice, it is strongly recommended to pre-book tickets online in advance, where guests can also save up to 10%.

Adult tickets start from £13.95 and Deepscan Cruises tickets start from £19.00.

To book your trip to The Loch Ness Centre or a cruise tour, please visit: 

https://bit.ly/lochnesscentre_opening