Volunteers are needed to track down Scotland’s legendary ‘water beast’ (Picture: Getty Images)
The Loch Ness Centre has called for ‘budding monster hunters’ to join in what it dubs the largest search for the Loch Ness Monster since the 1970s.
Legend and intrigue has long since surrounded the Highlands of Scotland and the creatures that call it home.
Could a ‘water beast’ really be lurking within the cold depths of Loch Ness?
The legend began in 1933 when Aldie Mackay, manager at the Drumnadrochit Hotel, spotted a strange shape on the water.
After reports in the local press, the tale of Nessie went global.
The Loch Ness Centre said this week that modern technology such as drones that produces thermal images of the lake will ‘search the waters in a way that has never been done before.’
The new surface water search for the fabled ‘Nessie’ is planned for the weekend of August 26 and 27.
It has been billed as the largest of its kind since the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau studied the loch for signs of the mythical beast in 1972.
This famous photo was taken in 1934 by a vacationing London surgeon, Robert K. Wilson, in Loch Ness,(Picture: Everett/REX/Shutterstock)
This image was later shared by B. A. Russell from Fort Augustus on October 1, 1933 (Picture: Cci/REX/Shutterstock)
The Loch Ness Centre is located at the old Drumnadrochit Hotel on the banks of Loch Ness, the largest body of freshwater by volume in the United Kingdom and one of its deepest.
Aldie’s sighting in 1933 had kicked off an enduring worldwide fascination with finding the elusive monster, spawning hoaxes and hundreds of eyewitness accounts.
Numerous theories or explanations have been put forward over the years, including that the creature may have been a plesiosaur, a prehistoric marine reptile, giant eels or even swimming circus elephants.
Some believe Nessie could have been a plesiosaur-like beast (Picture: Jonathan Chen/Pen News)
Loch Ness as seen on a peaceful summer’s day (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The Loch Ness Centre said its team will deploy drones equipped with infrared cameras so they can produce thermal images of the water from the air.
A hydrophone will also be used to detect acoustic signals under the water.
Volunteers will be asked to keep an eye out for any breaks or other movements in the water, with guidance from experts on what to look out for and how to record findings.
‘It’s our hope to inspire a new generation of Loch Ness enthusiasts,’ said Alan McKenna, of Loch Ness Exploration, a voluntary research team taking part in the upcoming search.
‘By joining this large-scale surface watch, you’ll have a real opportunity to personally contribute towards this fascinating mystery that has captivated so many people from around the world.’
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Nessie-mania is soon to hit Scotland.