Loch Ness monster hunters make 'significant step' in solving Scottish mystery

Hundreds of monster hunters geared up to take part in an annual search for the elusive Loch Ness Monster.

The Loch Ness Centre hosted a search which saw enthusiasts scouring the 23-mile-long loch for unusual activity from May 22 to 25.

For the first time, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), controlled by Little Loch Broom Marine Life, were used throughout The Quest Weekend in an attempt to capture the first underwater image of the famous beast.

Baited camera traps fitted with GoPro cameras and lights were also placed in strategic locations to capture any signs of wildlife.

The camera traps captured footage of pike and salmon. The Loch Ness Centre

Although the search for the historic Scots monster was unsuccessful, organisers said the camera traps captured “incredible footage” of pike and salmon believed to be the first time they have been seen on camera in the loch.

Expert hunters believe the footage could be “evidence of food to sustain a giant monster and a significant step” in solving the mystery.

Organisers also said ROVs unearthed a “remarkable” relic from one of Loch Ness’s most renowned monster hunters, Dr Robert Rines.

Cabling from Dr Rines’ original 1970s strobe light equipment, used in his groundbreaking underwater expeditions to capture images of Nessie, was found resting deep in the loch’s sediment

Loch Ness Centre Quest Weekend 2025. The Loch Ness Centre

Alongside the cabling, the ROV also uncovered the ruins of the old Temple Pier, from where historic British racer John Cobb set off in his attempt to break the world water speed record, an endeavour that cost him his life.

Other volunteers explored the depths of Loch Ness with Deepscan captain Alistair Matheson, the skipper for the Loch Ness Project.

Monster hunters joined Alistair and Alan McKenna for an extended excursion, utilising their brand-new hydrophone to listen for mysterious sounds echoing from the deep within Loch Ness.

Monster hunters who were unable to attend the search still got involved in the hunt for the truth through the Visit Inverness Loch Ness website.

Several cameras were set up across the loch for people around the globe to watch out for the loch’s most famous inhabitant, as well as other local wildlife, 365 days a year.

Nagina Ishaq, general manager of The Loch Ness Centre, said the excitement and buzz at the event proved the Loch Ness mystery is very much alive.

“We all want the same thing, to discover the secrets that lie beneath the loch, and we’ve been delighted to welcome so many people into The Loch Ness Centre to enjoy the exhibition and Deepscan boat trips across the weekend,” they said.

“The footage we have captured using the ROVs has just made us more determined than ever to continue our search for the truth.”