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Have you ever been to Loch Ness in Scotland? It’s a spectacular long and twisting lake in the highlands of Scotland which contains a timeless mystery beneath its murky depths. There have been sightings of a strange creature swimming in the waters of the dark and oily Loch since the 7th century. But what is the truth about this monster? Why is the public so fascinated by this creature and what is it? The mystery of the creature’s identity, and whether it really exists or not, have gripped public imagination since it was first sighted over a thousand years ago.
The Loch
The Loch (meaning lake in Gaelic or pre-English Scottish) is the perfect place for a large creature to hide; it is the largest lake in Britain being 22 miles long and ½ a mile wide. The Loch is surrounded by steep banks and can reach depths of over eight hundred feet! Often a ghostly mist rises from its surface and, to this day, it remains an eerie, brooding and atmospheric place.
There have been thousands of sightings of lake monsters around the world. However, ‘Nessie’ (the popular name given to this particular monster) has captured the world’s imagination and has been seen by more people than any other monster. There are hundreds of sightings on record, both in and out of the water.
The most popular of these records is an image of an aquatic dinosaur, a sort of giant snake or dragon-like creature.
Nessie
Many people have theories about whether ‘Nessie’ does or doesn’t exist. Theories have ranged from a floating tree, seals, otters, basking sharks and a surviving dinosaur. There have also been hoaxes and frauds. Scientists and archeologists argue that the creature’s existence is impossible because there has been no concrete evidence discovered within the last 20 years, and with advanced modern technology, something should have emerged during the countless studies and expeditions launched to try and find it.
However, others believe that there have been just too many sightings for ‘Nessie’ not to exist. Most tourists visiting Loch Ness, which is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the Scottish Highlands, say that the highlight of their trip would be to catch sight of the elusive monster.
History
The earliest sighting of a beast associated within the vicinity of Loch Ness appears in ‘The Life of St Columba’ written by Adomnan in the 7th century. The Irish monk St Columba was visiting the land of the Picts (early Scots) with his companions when he came across the locals burying a man by the River Ness. The man had been swimming in the river when a “water beast” attacked him. Hearing this, Columba ordered his follower Luigne Moccu to swim across the river. When the beast went after him, Columba made the sign of the cross and commanded: "Go no further. Do not touch the man. Go back at once” and amazingly the beast retreated as if a miracle had occurred.
Various sightings were made in the 19th century but interest only seriously reignited in 1933 when a road was constructed that gave easier public access to the Loch. During that year Mr. and Mrs. Mackay, who were driving on the read from Inverness (a major city near by), spotted a creature, “It was about 12 to 15 feet in length, and seemed to roll and plunge in the water.” The sighting lasted over a minute.
Modern day
In 1934, the world’s most famous photograph of the Loch Ness Monster was published. Many people reported seeing a multi-humped sea serpent. Another description is close to a plesiosaur, a long-necked creature from the Jurassic period. James Blardin, a scientist said, “A lot of scientific work has been carried out on Loch Ness which has led to many people saying this might be possible or that might happen because of this—but the truth is no scientist can prove that something isn’t there.” It’s like religion…if you believe in God no proof is necessary but if you don’t, then there is no proof. Local people mainly believe there is something strange in the lake but tourists and scientists are divided.
In conclusion, having been lucky enough to visit Loch Ness on my travels around Scotland, I can confirm that this is a strange, beautiful and mysterious place. I didn’t see ‘Nessie’ myself, although I did look, and I certainly felt a shiver up my neck as I peered into the murky depths of that ancient lake. My heart likes to believe there is something there but my head says it is probably a fantasy and, until I see some proof, I am going to remain a doubter.
Have you ever been to Loch Ness in Scotland? It’s a spectacular long and twisting lake in the highlands of Scotland which contains a timeless mystery beneath its murky depths. There have been sightings of a strange creature swimming in the waters of the dark and oily Loch since the 7th century. But what is the truth about this monster? Why is the public so fascinated by this creature and what is it? The mystery of the creature’s identity, and whether it really exists or not, have gripped public imagination since it was first sighted over a thousand years ago.
The Loch
The Loch (meaning lake in Gaelic or pre-English Scottish) is the perfect place for a large creature to hide; it is the largest lake in Britain being 22 miles long and ½ a mile wide. The Loch is surrounded by steep banks and can reach depths of over eight hundred feet! Often a ghostly mist rises from its surface and, to this day, it remains an eerie, brooding and atmospheric place.
There have been thousands of sightings of lake monsters around the world. However, ‘Nessie’ (the popular name given to this particular monster) has captured the world’s imagination and has been seen by more people than any other monster. There are hundreds of sightings on record, both in and out of the water.
The most popular of these records is an image of an aquatic dinosaur, a sort of giant snake or dragon-like creature.
Nessie
Many people have theories about whether ‘Nessie’ does or doesn’t exist. Theories have ranged from a floating tree, seals, otters, basking sharks and a surviving dinosaur. There have also been hoaxes and frauds. Scientists and archeologists argue that the creature’s existence is impossible because there has been no concrete evidence discovered within the last 20 years, and with advanced modern technology, something should have emerged during the countless studies and expeditions launched to try and find it.
However, others believe that there have been just too many sightings for ‘Nessie’ not to exist. Most tourists visiting Loch Ness, which is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the Scottish Highlands, say that the highlight of their trip would be to catch sight of the elusive monster.
History
The earliest sighting of a beast associated within the vicinity of Loch Ness appears in ‘The Life of St Columba’ written by Adomnan in the 7th century. The Irish monk St Columba was visiting the land of the Picts (early Scots) with his companions when he came across the locals burying a man by the River Ness. The man had been swimming in the river when a “water beast” attacked him. Hearing this, Columba ordered his follower Luigne Moccu to swim across the river. When the beast went after him, Columba made the sign of the cross and commanded: "Go no further. Do not touch the man. Go back at once” and amazingly the beast retreated as if a miracle had occurred.
Various sightings were made in the 19th century but interest only seriously reignited in 1933 when a road was constructed that gave easier public access to the Loch. During that year Mr. and Mrs. Mackay, who were driving on the read from Inverness (a major city near by), spotted a creature, “It was about 12 to 15 feet in length, and seemed to roll and plunge in the water.” The sighting lasted over a minute.
Modern day
In 1934, the world’s most famous photograph of the Loch Ness Monster was published. Many people reported seeing a multi-humped sea serpent. Another description is close to a plesiosaur, a long-necked creature from the Jurassic period. James Blardin, a scientist said, “A lot of scientific work has been carried out on Loch Ness which has led to many people saying this might be possible or that might happen because of this—but the truth is no scientist can prove that something isn’t there.” It’s like religion…if you believe in God no proof is necessary but if you don’t, then there is no proof. Local people mainly believe there is something strange in the lake but tourists and scientists are divided.
In conclusion, having been lucky enough to visit Loch Ness on my travels around Scotland, I can confirm that this is a strange, beautiful and mysterious place. I didn’t see ‘Nessie’ myself, although I did look, and I certainly felt a shiver up my neck as I peered into the murky depths of that ancient lake. My heart likes to believe there is something there but my head says it is probably a fantasy and, until I see some proof, I am going to remain a doubter.