Nessie (Loch Ness)

f all the mystery animals in the world the Loch Ness monster (LNM) is not only the most famous, it is also the most controversial. Since 1994 the existence of the creature has been placed deeper into doubt as the best known photograph of the elusive beast of northern Scotland has proven to be a hoax. Serious Nessie believers have reacted fiercely to the notion that the photo was of nothing more than a toy submarine with a plastic/wood monster built atop by sensationalist Marmaduke Wetherall in a bid to get even with those who had earlier perpetrated an embarrassing hoax on the self-proclaimed big game hunter.

The BCSCC was among those who initially rejected the hoax story, but in light of a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Surgeon's photo we are now of the opinion that it is a hoax and there is no merit to the claims that this is a picture of a genuine cryptid living in Loch Ness. There is scant evidence of a film or photographic nature to support the existence of a large unknown creature inhabiting the Loch, however the eyewitness testimony of nearly 10,000 people carries considerable weight in the quest to determine the reality of the monster.

The witnesses range from the sister-in-law of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to a member of the Dutch nobility and to simple highland dwellers who have no desire to be ridiculed because they simply elected to tell the truth about encounters with a supposed anomalous beast of Scottish folklore. Author G.K. Chesterton wrote that many a man had been hanged on less evidence than has been amassed to support the belief that the Loch Ness monster is a reality.

Many have put forward numerous suggests as to the identity of the Loch Ness monster and perhaps the most popular theory is that the animal is a plesiosaur. This theory does not sit well with what is known about the plesiosaur. It was ill-equipped for spending prolonged periods of time underwater and was prone to spend most of its life on the surface. Other have posited that Nessie is a salamander or some other gigantic amphibian, a theory which may account for the fact that no monstrous body has vere washed up onthe shores of the Loch. Amphibians dintegrate underwater and their remains are unlikely to surface. However amphibia lay there gelatinous eggs on the surface and these would be seen more frequently were this the case.

The Loch Ness Investigation Bureau mounted a ten year search for the animal from 1962-72 without obtaining any significant evidence in the quest to obtain Nessie's identity. Similar efforts by Operation Deepscan which used a sonar blanket to cover the loch, did obtain several tantalising contacts with large objects underwater, but the objects moved out of the range of sonar so no further investigation into what was causing the sonar images was possible.

Alastair Boyd the expositor of the hoax, has categorically stated that in spite of what was unveiled regarding the Surgeon's photo fakery, he is still as an ardent believer in the creature's existence simply because he has seen the beastie at close quarters. By exposing the hoaxes, Boyd has not ruled out the remainder of the evidence amassed from eyewitness accounts, but has merely discarded a single piece of supposed evidence of dubious origins.

Sightings have continued unabated at Loch Ness since the hoax story came to light so evidence continues to accumulate to prove the case that there is a large unknown animal of indeterminate origin making frequent appearances to stunned witnesses. To emphasise the point Alastair Boyd, himself, spent three weeks in 1996 observing the Loch, although he was not fortunate enough to obtain a sighting. However, 16 other people at the Craigdarroch Hotel did, much to their delight.

In 1997 there were at least 12 sightings with which the BCSCC is familiar. One sighting in particular involved an American TV crew who were advised by the BCSCC to have a camera ready at all times when in sight of the Loch. After dinner two members of the crews took a walk by the lochside - sans camera - when a mysterious object manifested itself in the middle of the loch. The Americans kicked themselves afterwards for not having had a camera handy to record the event!

In 1999 there have been several sightings of which three may be considered likely encounters with the LNM. Three photographs were taken, two of which are likely birds, and a third by the BCSCC which shows a large dark wake in the Loch which - although indistinct - is very unlikely to be that of a boat.

Nessie will continue to bemuse all who seek her and delight those who happen to have a chance sighting. The European premiere of the film LOCH NESS brought thousands to Inverness and a veritable horde of Nessie associated enthusiasts to the cinemas. Television ad campaigns in Britain featured no less than three commercials depicting a Nessie as a principal character. Her popularity continues undiminished and her reign as the jewel of Loch Ness continues.