Loch Ness Expedition Set to Launch Biggest Surface Watch in Over 50 Years

In a bid to unravel the mysteries of Loch Ness, the newly-revamped Loch Ness Centre at Drumnadrochit, in collaboration with Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), is gearing up for the largest surface watch of the iconic Scottish lake in over half a century. The event, scheduled for August 26 and 27, will see the deployment of cutting-edge surveying equipment, including thermal drones and a hydrophone, never before used in Loch Ness exploration.

Volunteers and enthusiastic members of the public are invited to join the weekend event and participate in the search for the elusive creature. The use of thermal drones equipped with infrared cameras promises to provide vital clues by capturing heat patterns from the air, potentially revealing enigmatic anomalies beneath the water’s surface. Meanwhile, the hydrophone will be utilized to detect any acoustic signals or calls that might resemble those associated with the legendary Nessie.

This ambitious endeavour is set to be the most extensive surface watch since the renowned Loch Ness Investigation Bureau conducted its studies back in 1972. As the sun rises each morning, Alan McKenna from LNE will brief the volunteers live from the Loch Ness Centre, instructing them on what to observe and how to document their findings. At the end of each day, participants will convene at the reimagined centre for debriefing sessions to review the day’s discoveries.

Visitors can also partake in special tours on the water, led by Deepscan captain Alistair Matheson, who is also associated with the Loch Ness Project. Additionally, four premium Deepscan cruises will be available, offering an extended journey with a member of the original Loch Ness Investigation Bureau and Mr. McKenna, using a 60-foot hydrophone to listen for potential noises in the depths of the loch.

Beyond the field activities, the Loch Ness Centre will host special tours during the weekend. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend talks featuring Mr. McKenna and renowned Nessie hunter Steve Feltham, along with other guest speakers to be announced, delving into the intriguing possibility of the monster’s existence.

The Loch Ness Centre, situated at the site where hotel manageress Aldie Mackay famously reported witnessing a ‘water beast’ in 1933, has undergone extensive renovations. Continuum Attractions, an operator of award-winning attractions across the UK, has invested £1.5 million in creating an immersive exhibition with interactive elements.

Mr. McKenna expressed his hope that the large-scale surface watch will inspire a new generation of Loch Ness enthusiasts to contribute personally to solving the captivating mystery that has fascinated people worldwide.

Paul Nixon, general manager of the Loch Ness Centre, emphasized that these weekend activities provide a unique opportunity to explore the waters in a manner never before undertaken. As the guardians of this extraordinary tale, the organizers are committed to not only providing an unforgettable experience for visitors but also to aid in the ongoing quest to unveil the secrets that lie beneath the enigmatic waters of Loch Ness.