Ever since hotel manageress Aldie Mackay first reported seeing a "whale-like fish" in the waters of Loch Ness in 1933, the tale of Nessie has been a magnet for tourists and monster hunters from around the world.
Over 90 years later and despite expeditions, scientific tests, sonar surveys, grainy photographs – some less convincing than others – the deployment of a yellow submarine and, in 2013, the bizarre appearance of Charlie Sheen on a monster hunt with leg of lamb for bait, the mystery remains as perplexing and fascinating as ever.
This weekend saw the latest search for the Loch Ness Monster conclude with an "unexplainable noise" captured on hydrophone - and a potential sighting.
The hunt, which took place on Thursday 30th May to Sunday 2nd June, saw hundreds of budding monster hunters involved in scouring the 23-mile-long loch for unusual activity, both in person and online.
Using the hydrophone to listen for mysterious sounds echoing from the depths of the loch, Alan McKenna from Loch Ness Exploration captured a unique noise to be analysed, a rhythmic pulsing that lasted about 10 seconds. He will now isolate the noise in attempt to identify the source of the fascinating sound that he has never heard before.
READ MORE: The enduring mystery of what lies beneath the waves of Loch Ness
Evelyn Murphy, age 11, also captured a potential sighting with an intriguing photo, showing a clear break in the water made by an unidentified object or creature.
The Quest, organised by The Loch Ness Centre, took place on the 90th anniversary of the pioneering adventurer Sir Edward Mountain and his team of twenty becoming the first ‘Watchers of the Monster’.
Over the four days, as well as the search, a number of other celebratory events took place.
The Loch Ness Centre hosted a live debate with Alan McKenna from Loch Ness Exploration, Roland Watson, a renowned Loch Ness writer, and eyewitness Richard White, which was held in-person and screened virtually to participants from around the world.
The panel told gripping stories, discussed their ongoing research, and dissected eyewitness accounts, all while debating the existence of the elusive monster.
Other volunteers explored the depths of the world-famous loch with Deepscan Captain, Alistair Matheson, the Skipper for the Loch Ness Project. Monster hunters joined Alistair and Alan McKenna for an extended excursion, utilising a 60-foot hydrophone to listen for mysterious sounds echoing from the depths of the loch.
Ashley Range, a volunteer who travelled from Washington State to take part in The Quest, said: “I’ve been obsessed with Scotland and Nessie my whole life, and to be here is just a dream. To be on an actual expedition and out on Deepscan exploring Loch Ness is a dream come true. I definitely believe in Nessie. Although a lot of the evidence can be explained, there is a lot out there that is unexplainable. It’s been an incredible trip!”
Paul Nixon, General Manager of The Loch Ness Centre, said: “The excitement this weekend has proven that intrigue surrounding Loch Ness and its monster is still very much alive. We all want the same thing, to discover the mysteries of the natural phenomena beneath the loch.
"We’ve been delighted to welcome so many people to The Loch Ness Centre for hour-long centre tours and Deepscan boat trips across the weekend. After another successful The Quest Weekend, we’re more determined than ever to continue our search for answers.”
Looking ahead, The Loch Ness Centre has announced an upcoming collaboration with a prestigious Scottish university to conduct pioneering research on Loch Ness. The groundbreaking study, which promises to deepen our understanding of Loch Ness, will be using technology that has never been used on the iconic body of water.
Next year’s Quest Weekend is taking place on Thursday, May 22, 2025 to Sunday, May 25, 2025. Find out more via www.lochness.com/thequest
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