Quest to find monster Nessie in biggest search of Loch Ness in over 50 years

This month will see the biggest search for the elusive Loch Ness monster in decades.

The newly revamped Loch Ness Centre has partnered with Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), an independent and voluntary research team, to search the famous waters and uncover its mysteries.

It is the first sweep of its kind since the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau (LNIB) last studied the loch in 1972.

The Loch Ness Centre is currently looking for budding monster hunters to get involved in the weekend, taking place over August 26 and 27.

Nessie’s origin story

The Loch Ness Centre is located at the old Drumnadrochit Hotel, where, 90 years ago, hotel manager Mrs Aldie Mackay reported seeing a “water beast” in Loch Ness.

The monster is said to live in the massive Loch Ness. iStock

Affectionately known as Nessie, the supposed monster which made the loch its home has evaded curious eyes ever since, with thousands of tourists flocking to Scotland each year in a bid to spot her.

She is often described as large, long-necked, and with one or more humps protruding from the water.

Popular interest and belief in Nessie has varied since it was brought to worldwide attention in 1933, and most evidence is anecdotal with a number of disputed photographs and sonar readings.

How will the loch be searched?

Over the weekend, surveying equipment that has never been used on Loch Ness before will be enlisted to uncover the secrets of the mysterious waters.

This includes thermal drones to produce thermal images of the water from the air using infrared cameras, as observing heat from above could provide a crucial component for identifying any mysterious anomalies.

A hydrophone will be used to detect acoustic signals under the water, listening for any Nessie-like calls, as well as further technology in the hunt for the truth.

As part of the weekend of activities, the Loch Ness Centre and LNE are looking for monster hunters to take part in a giant surface watch of the Loch.

These volunteers will keep an eye out for breaks in the water and any inexplicable movements.

Each morning, Alan McKenna from LNE will brief volunteers at the centre on what to look out for and how to record findings. There will also be a debrief in the afternoon to go through the day’s events.

‘We are guardians of this unique story’

Alan McKenna of LNE said: “Since starting LNE, it’s always been our goal to record, study and analyse all manner of natural behaviour and phenomena that may be more challenging to explain.

“It’s our hope to inspire a new generation of Loch Ness enthusiasts and by joining this large scale surface watch, you’ll have a real opportunity to personally contribute towards this fascinating mystery that has captivated so many people from around the world.”

Paul Nixon, general manager of the Loch Ness Centre, said: “We are guardians of this unique story, and as well as investing in creating an unforgettable experience for visitors, we are committed to helping continue the search and unveil the mysteries that lie underneath the waters of the famous Loch.

“The weekend gives an opportunity to search the waters in a way that has never been done before, and we can’t wait to see what we find.”

To volunteer to be involved in the search, sign up by clicking here.