90 years ago, Aldie Mackay, who was the manager of the Drumnadrochit hotel, claimed to have witnessed a “water beast” swimming in Loch Ness. Ever since, myths and legends have been surrounding the area of the Loch Ness monster, a mysterious creature that’s been searched for ever since. While we just call her Nessie, The Loch Ness Centre is organising The Quest Weekend, the biggest search for the Loch Ness monster in 50 years.
Loch Ness is a freshwater loch located in the Scottish Highlands, spanning over 39 kilometres. The loch is the second largest loch by surface in Scotland after Loch Lomond, and reaches depths of up to 230 metres. We know, right!
Due to size and the depth of Loch Ness, searching its waters is no easy task, so no wonder why the legend has stayed alive for so many years, even if there is little proof. Loch Ness monster enthusiasts and sceptics alike can volunteer to be a part of The Quest Weekend, a search taking place on August 26 and 27. To apply, just fill out this form and get ready!
The search will be led by Loch Ness Exploration’s (LNE), an voluntary research team, to search the waters of Loch Ness and uncover its mysteries. Apparently, some brand new equipment never used before will be enrolled into the water.
The Loch Ness Centre states: “Thermal drones that 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. Finally, 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 volunteers to take part in a giant surface watch of the Loch, keeping an eye out for breaks in the water and any inexplicable movements. Each morning, Alan McKenna from LNE will brief volunteers live from the Loch Ness Centre on what to look out for and how to record findings; each day there will also be a debrief from the reimagined centre to go through the day’s findings.”
So, will you dare to embark on this adventure and maybe find the famous Nessie?