Latest news with #Nessie
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
What should a person do if they find Loch Ness Monster?
The Nessie Contingency Plan, drawn up by NatureScot, is a real guide for what to do if the monster ever appears For nearly a century, people have been scouring the dark waters of Loch Ness near Inverness in search of the legendary monster. Strange humps have been spotted gliding across the surface, and eerie sounds have echoed from the depths below, yet Nessie herself has never been definitively found. But what if, against all odds, the Loch Ness Monster actually turned up? As it turns out, authorities in Scotland are already prepared. A set of official guidelines, known as the Nessie Contingency Plan, was quietly drafted years ago by the government's nature agency, NatureScot. It sounds like something straight out of The X Files, but the document is real, and it outlines exactly what would happen if Nessie were to surface. A NatureScot spokesperson told the BBC: 'The Nessie Contingency Plan was produced back in 2001, at a time when there was a lot of Nessie-hunting activity on the loch. 'We were regularly being asked by the media and others what we would do if or when she, or he, was found. 'The code of practice, which was partly serious and partly for a bit of fun, was drawn up to offer protection not just to the elusive monster, but to any new species found in the loch.' Under the plan, any new creature discovered in the loch would be subject to scientific investigation, including a DNA sample, before being safely released back into the water. Crucially, the creature would also receive full legal protection, just like native Scottish species such as golden eagles and wildcats. That means if Nessie were real, it would be illegal to harm, kill or even capture her. Concerns for Nessie's safety aren't new. Back in 1938, a senior police officer wrote to the Scottish Office warning about a group of men intent on hunting the creature 'dead or alive'. The party, he said, was allegedly having a special harpoon gun made and planned to descend on the loch with 20 'experienced men'. The legend of the Loch Ness Monster stretches all the way back to the Middle Ages. According to ancient lore, it was Irish monk St Columba who first encountered a mysterious beast in the River Ness, which flows out from the loch. But the modern version of the myth only really began in the spring of 1933, when Aldie Mackay, manageress of a local hotel, reported seeing a whale-like creature thrashing through the water. The Inverness Courier picked up the story and its editor, Evan Barron, cemented Nessie's name in pop culture by describing the creature as a 'monster'. Since then, sightings have trickled in with remarkable consistency. The Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register has logged 1,161 reports since launching in 1996. There were three sightings last year, and already one for 2025, a pair of humps said to be gliding across the loch. Over the decades, eyewitnesses have described everything from a creature with crocodile-like skin to fast-moving shapes that defy explanation. Many have tried to solve the riddle. The Loch Ness Investigation Bureau conducted multiple searches throughout the 1960s and 70s. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Then in the late 1980s, Operation Deepscan brought more than 20 boats equipped with sonar technology to sweep the loch in a bid to detect large underwater animals. And then there's Steve Feltham, arguably the most committed monster hunter of them all. He gave up his job, sold his house in Dorset and moved to the shores of Loch Ness in 1991 to dedicate his life to cracking the mystery. Some researchers believe Nessie might not be a monster at all. In 2019, a team of scientists from New Zealand analysed environmental DNA from water samples across the loch. Their conclusion? There was no evidence of giant reptiles or prehistoric creatures like plesiosaurs. Instead, they suggested the sightings could be explained by something much less mythical: giant eels.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
What happens if someone finds the Loch Ness Monster?
People have been looking for Nessie for almost 100 years. Humps have been seen moving across Loch Ness, and strange sounds heard from beneath the surface - but no actual monster. A four-day "quest" - the latest in a long series of efforts to unravel the mystery - has been held this week. But what would happen if the Loch Ness Monster was found - besides, of course, creating a global sensation? The Nessie Contingency Plan sounds like it should be in an episode of TV sci-fi drama The X Files. But it is a set of guidelines written by Scotland's nature agency, NatureScot. A spokesperson told us: "The Nessie Contingency Plan was produced back in 2001, at a time when there was a lot of Nessie-hunting activity on the loch. "We were regularly being asked by the media and others what we would do if or when she, or he, was found. "The code of practice, which was partly serious and partly for a bit of fun, was drawn up to offer protection not just to the elusive monster, but to any new species found in the loch." The plan stipulates that a DNA sample should be taken from any new creature, and then it should be released back into the loch. The animal would also be afforded the same legal protection as Scotland's other native wildlife, such as wildcats and golden eagles. It means it would be illegal to kill, injure or capture the monster. The authorities have raised concerns for Nessie in the past. In 1938 a senior police officer warned the Scottish Office of a planned hunting expedition "determined to catch the monster dead or alive". The party claimed they were having a special harpoon gun made and were headed for the loch with 20 "experienced men". The legend of a monster dates back to the Middle Ages when Irish monk St Columba is said to have encountered a creature in the Ness, a river that flows from Loch Ness. The modern myth of Nessie began centuries later. In April 1933, hotel manageress Aldie Mackay told of seeing a whale-like creature and the loch's water "cascading and churning". The Inverness Courier newspaper reported the sighting and the editor at the time, Evan Barron, suggested the beast be described as a "monster". Sightings continue to be made in recent times, with the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register having received 1,161 reports since its launch in 1996. There were three last year and one report for 2025 so far, according to the register. This year's sighting described two humps moving across the loch. Over the years, the reports have included objects moving fast across the loch, and a creature with crocodile-like skin. There's a long list of people and attempts to find Nessie, or disprove existence of a monster. The Loch Ness Investigation Bureau carried out searches in the 1960s and 70s. In the late 1980s, Operation Deepscan saw more than 20 boats make a sonar sweep of the loch. Then there's Steve Feltham who has dedicated his life to solving the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster. He gave up his job and sold his home in Dorset to move to Dores on the shores of the loch in 1991. In 2019, a team of scientists who had visited the loch said giant eels could be behind sightings. The researchers from New Zealand catalogued all living species in the loch from DNA extracted from water samples. Following analysis, they ruled out the presence of large animals said to be behind reports of a monster - including a prehistoric plesiosaur or a wandering Greenland shark. Camera set up to catch Loch Ness Monster discovered Concerns over Loch Ness' falling water levels Two years ago, a search billed as the biggest Nessie hunt in more than 50 years saw volunteers help record natural - and any unusual - sights from vantage points on land. During The Quest, observers on a boat using acoustic equipment reported four unidentified "gloops" but then realised their recording device wasn't plugged in. The event, which involved searches on the loch and from shore, is being held for a third year. It started on Thursday and ends on Sunday. For those contingency planners at NatureScot the worry is something unpleasant might be uncovered in Loch Ness. "Sadly, when we find a new species in a loch it is often an invasive species which has been introduced that is expensive and challenging to deal with," said the spokesperson. "We ask people to take care not spread these non-native animals and plants into our waterways." Non-native freshwater species found in Scotland include American mink and North American signal crayfish. Eating native species and damaging habitats are among the risks they pose. The spokesperson added: "While the evidence for the existence of the Loch Ness Monster is questionable, the threat posed by climate change and biodiversity loss to all the plants and animals that live in our lochs is all too real." NatureScot
BBC News
25-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
What happens if someone finds the Loch Ness Monster?
People have been looking for Nessie for almost 100 have been seen moving across Loch Ness, and strange sounds heard from beneath the surface - but no actual monster.A four-day "quest" - the latest in a long series of efforts to unravel the mystery - has been held this what would happen if the Loch Ness Monster was found - besides, of course, creating a global sensation? The official plan The Nessie Contingency Plan sounds like it should be in an episode of TV sci-fi drama The X it is a set of guidelines written by Scotland's nature agency, NatureScot.A spokesperson told us: "The Nessie Contingency Plan was produced back in 2001, at a time when there was a lot of Nessie-hunting activity on the loch."We were regularly being asked by the media and others what we would do if or when she, or he, was found."The code of practice, which was partly serious and partly for a bit of fun, was drawn up to offer protection not just to the elusive monster, but to any new species found in the loch."The plan stipulates that a DNA sample should be taken from any new creature, and then it should be released back into the animal would also be afforded the same legal protection as Scotland's other native wildlife, such as wildcats and golden means it would be illegal to kill, injure or capture the monster. The authorities have raised concerns for Nessie in the 1938 a senior police officer warned the Scottish Office of a planned hunting expedition "determined to catch the monster dead or alive".The party claimed they were having a special harpoon gun made and were headed for the loch with 20 "experienced men". How many sightings of a 'monster'? The legend of a monster dates back to the Middle Ages when Irish monk St Columba is said to have encountered a creature in the Ness, a river that flows from Loch modern myth of Nessie began centuries April 1933, hotel manageress Aldie Mackay told of seeing a whale-like creature and the loch's water "cascading and churning".The Inverness Courier newspaper reported the sighting and the editor at the time, Evan Barron, suggested the beast be described as a "monster".Sightings continue to be made in recent times, with the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register having received 1,161 reports since its launch in were three last year and one report for 2025 so far, according to the year's sighting described two humps moving across the the years, the reports have included objects moving fast across the loch, and a creature with crocodile-like skin. Who's looking for Nessie? There's a long list of people and attempts to find Nessie, or disprove existence of a Loch Ness Investigation Bureau carried out searches in the 1960s and the late 1980s, Operation Deepscan saw more than 20 boats make a sonar sweep of the there's Steve Feltham who has dedicated his life to solving the mystery of the Loch Ness gave up his job and sold his home in Dorset to move to Dores on the shores of the loch in 2019, a team of scientists who had visited the loch said giant eels could be behind researchers from New Zealand catalogued all living species in the loch from DNA extracted from water analysis, they ruled out the presence of large animals said to be behind reports of a monster - including a prehistoric plesiosaur or a wandering Greenland shark. Two years ago, a search billed as the biggest Nessie hunt in more than 50 years saw volunteers help record natural - and any unusual - sights from vantage points on The Quest, observers on a boat using acoustic equipment reported four unidentified "gloops" but then realised their recording device wasn't plugged event, which involved searches on the loch and from shore, is being held for a third year. It started on Thursday and ends on Sunday. Would finding something be good news? For those contingency planners at NatureScot the worry is something unpleasant might be uncovered in Loch Ness."Sadly, when we find a new species in a loch it is often an invasive species which has been introduced that is expensive and challenging to deal with," said the spokesperson."We ask people to take care not spread these non-native animals and plants into our waterways."Non-native freshwater species found in Scotland include American mink and North American signal native species and damaging habitats are among the risks they spokesperson added: "While the evidence for the existence of the Loch Ness Monster is questionable, the threat posed by climate change and biodiversity loss to all the plants and animals that live in our lochs is all too real."
The National
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
I tried Irn Bru's two new flavours and I'll never drink them again
Leith, a creative agency based in Edinburgh, has been known for almost three decades as giving the AG Barr brand a unique voice for Scotland's 'other national drink'. It has now moved its marketing contract to a London-based firm, Lucky Generals. The two new ad spots launched the Legend Editions 330ml cans which feature Unicorn Tears and Nessie Nectar flavours or Irn-Bru XTRA. READ MORE: Scottish travel firm closes 'out of the blue' after 20 years with all jobs lost The tears are obtained on Greetin' Acres Unicorn Tear Farm by Kelly, a unicorn tear farmer, where the ancient (and highly emotional) art of making unicorns cry is revealed. The nectar in the other can is 'lovingly milked' from the Loch Ness Monster herself. The ad shows Angus McLean, a fifth-generation Nessie milker, proudly shows off his milking shed, which is adorned with pictures of ancestors 'pulling away at that legendary teat'. Obviously with a set up such as this, I was expecting quite a creative drink. Both new flavours are available in supermarkets and convenience stores across the UK, sold as eight packs or individual cans. The design on both cans is great, showcasing our most famous myth and our national animal, but it is a bit on the nose. Yes, we know Nessie and Unicorns are Scottish, but is that really enough to base a new flavour on? isn't it a tad stereotypical and for the tourists? The colour of both is the same as our Irn-Bru XTRA, no mythical green or glowing purple, but the taste is defiantly very different. I couldn't tell you what they taste like easily, just like an original Irn-Bru to be fair, but there is a flavour which isn't desirable. The unicorn tears drink has an almost watery, chemically-peach flavour. And the Nessie Nectar flavour is fruiter but still has the watery, chemically aftertaste. READ MORE: Lorraine Kelly TV show to be cut back as ITV extends GMB episodes I can safely say when I come home from holiday, I won't be saying to myself, like I do with the original, 'God, I can't wait for a unicorn tears can'. But don't just take my word for it, other avid Irn-Bru drinks in the office called it 'disgusting' and 'rank'. But then, I collected an empty can with one saying it had grown on them. The campaign may be creative, but the story doesn't give us the belly laughs we know and love from Irn-Bru, and the drink definitely falls flat for me.
Perth Now
20-05-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Loch Ness Monster may have had baby
The Loch Ness Monster may have had a baby. The myth that a mysterious beast called Nessie lurks beneath the Scottish Highlands freshwater loch has gained global attention for decades, but now it has been claimed a "large disturbance" was spotted via a webcam feed of the famed loch. And Loch Ness Monster hunter Eoin O'Faodhagain, 60, who was watching the Visit Inverness Loch Ness-maintained feed, declared the sighting as a long-necked "juvenile Nessie". The County Donegal, Ireland, resident explained, as quoted by MailOnline: "As I was watching, I noticed a large disturbance in the tranquil waters of Loch Ness, less than 100 feet from the Clansman Hotel pier. "A creature broke the surface and rose up a few feet out of the water, then quickly submerged into the dark depths of Loch Ness. "Luckily I was already recording. It all happened so fast, but I got it recorded. "I immediately thought it was Nessie because it was too large to be anything else. "Certainly it has no resemblance to an otter or a seal, and I never saw a fish with a neck and a bumpy back. "I was stunned, overjoyed that at last, I might have a clear image of the Loch Ness Monster. "Looking at the screenshot afterwards, it fit the uncanny classic description of Nessie, given by many eyewitnesses over the years. "It is a juvenile Nessie, playing with its prey - the fish - before it devours it. "If what I noted is correct, then it is the first time on live camera that we see Nessie hunting its fish prey."
