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Loch Ness Monster
This famed "Surgeon's Photo" was confirmed a hoax, based on the deathbed confessions of Chris Spurling, son-in-law of Marmaduke Wetherell. Spurling claimed the photo, which inspired much popular interest in the monster, was actually a staged photograph of clay attached to a toy submarine. Wetherell, a big game hunter, had been tricked into searching for an imaginary monster around the loch based on evidence which turned out to be the result of children's prank.
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The Loch Ness Monster -- sometimes called Nessie, is a creature or group of creatures said to live in Loch Ness, a deep freshwater loch (lake) near the city of Inverness in northern Scotland. Nessie is generally categorized as a lake monster.
Along with Bigfoot and Yeti, Nessie is perhaps the best-known mystery in cryptozoology. Most mainstream scientists and other experts find current evidence supporting Nessie unpersuasive, and regard such reports as hoaxes or misidentification of mundane creatures.
History of Sightings
- Rumours of a monster or animal living in the loch have reportedly circulated for at least several centuries, though some have questioned the accuracy, reliability and the existence of such tales. Many local inhabitants argue strongly for its existence. Some skeptics suggest that this may be because the rumours of Nessie underpin local folklore and the tourism industry.
- "Monster" sightings have occurred as far back as 1,500 years ago. The earliest known reference is from the Life of St. Columba; it describes how in 565 Columba saved the life of a Pict who was being attacked by the monster in the River Ness. Some critics have questioned the reliability of the Life, noting a different story, in which Columba slays a wild boar by the power of his voice alone.1)
- The first modern sighting occurred on May 2, 1933. The newspaper Inverness Courier carried a story of a local couple who reportedly saw "an enormous animal rolling and plunging on the surface." The report of the "monster" (a title chosen by the editor of the Courier) became a media sensation, with London papers sending reporters to Scotland and a circus even offering a reward of £20,000 for capture of the monster.
- Later that year, A.H. Palmer, who allegedly witnessed Nessie on August 11, 1933, at 7 a.m., described the creature as having its head, which they saw from the front, set low in the water. Its mouth, which had a width of between twelve and eighteen inches (30-45 cm), was opening and closing; its maximum mouth aperture was estimated to be about six inches (15 cm).
- The modern preoccupation with the Loch Ness Monster was aroused by a photograph allegedly taken by surgeon R.K. Wilson on April 19, 1934, which seemed to show a large creature with a long neck gliding through the water. Decades later on March 12, 1994, Marmaduke Wetherell claimed to have faked the photo after being hired by the Daily Mail to track down Nessie (the photo had by that time been printed worldwide as "absolute evidence"). Wetherell also stated that Wilson did not take the photo, and his name was only used to give added credibility to the photo.
Loch Ness Monster Resources
The Legend of Nessie, the Ultimate Loch Ness Monster Site
The Legend of Nessie the Ultimate Loch Ness Monster Site, with up-to-date information and photographs of new and past sightings. A must for all Nessie enthusiasts.
Loch Ness Monster
The Loch Ness Monster is supposedly living in Scotland's Loch (Lake) Ness. "Nessie" as she is called first is the best known cryptozoological creature in the world...
Loch Ness Monster, Nessie
Over 400 skeptical definitions and essays on occult, paranormal,supernatural and pseudoscientific ideas and practices with references to the best skeptical literature...
Nessie of Loch Ness
Many lakes of Northern Scotland had ancient legends about monsters and the like. In 565 A.D., though, Loch Ness's story was written down....
Tony Harmsworth's Loch Ness Information Website
No Nonsense Loch Ness Information. Evidence, Expeditions, Research, Monsters, Fakes. Accurate and factual presentation.
What You Need to Know About... The Loch Ness Monster
Nessie's been basking in controversy for 70 years.
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