HUNDREDS of volunteers participated in the search for the Loch Ness Monster, ‘Nessie’, this weekend in the Scottish Highlands.
The largest surface area search of the loch in 50 years produced numerous potential sightings and strange noises heard from the depths of the 23-mile long body of water.
Wild weather nicknamed ‘Nessie’s revenge’ did nothing to put off hardy hunters and media teams who flocked to the freshwater loch southwest of Inverness, alongside hundreds of online webcam participants.
Highlights from the weekend included possible video footage of the monster, with mysterious “humps” filmed in the water.
An online volunteer captured a giant shadow below the surface dipping in and out of the water before swimming across the loch.
The monster continues to capture people’s imagination and interest as much as it did when Nessie was first brought to worldwide attention in 1933.
The mysterious creature has become so popular that Continuum Attractions, which runs visitor attractions across the UK, has recently invested in the new Loch Ness Centre.
The exhibition gives visitors the chance to view real artefacts and scientific evidence, as well as take a tour of the centre. At the end of the experience guests are given the chance to debate the existence of Nessie.
Christie McLeod, who travelled to take part in the search from Toronto, Canada, said: “I’ve been hunting the monster for nine years, but this is my first official hunt.
“There are two types of people in the world, Nessie believers and non-believers.
“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: “The 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.
“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 and for Deepscan boat trips across the weekend.”
Alan McKenna, of Loch Ness Exploration, said: “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.”
