Loch Ness

Loch Ness lies approximately 6 Miles South of Inverness, in the Scottish Highlands. From the Moray Firth, the River Ness runs through Inverness, past Loch Dochfour and onto the 23 miles of Loch Ness. The Loch runs from Lochend in the North to Fort Augustus in the south. Loch Ness is the second largest loch in Scotland by surface area. At its deepest point it is 230m deep.

The movement of tectonic plates formed the Loch. About 500 million years ago a shift in the tectonic plates created a crack that runs from modern day Inverness to Fort William. The movement of the plates can still be felt today with tremors. The most recent tremor was felt in 1997, but they could happen at any time.

The Jobs of Loch Ness

Loch Ness is used as a storage reservoir for Foyers pumped-storage hydroelectric scheme. The scheme used in the aluminium smelting industry, but is now used to produce electricity.

The Loch is also a popular location for boating with many companies operating out of the towns around Loch Ness. The site is also popular for boat trips with cruisers taking tourists around Loch Ness and try and see if they can spot Nessie.

The Loch Ness Monster

Most people have heard the stories of the Loch Ness Monster, but it has been going on for so long, people are starting to wonder if it could be real.

The first sighting of a monster in Loch Ness was recorded in 565AD when a local farmer was supposedly eaten by a creature who appeared from the depths of the loch. St. Columba supposedly forced the creature back into the water, but could this just be a tale? As there is only one source, no one can know for sure.

The major interest started in Nessie started in the 1930s. During 1933 there appear to be at least 3 separate sightings of a monster moving in the water and crossing the road along side Loch Ness. This began the excitement we see today in the Loch Ness Monster, with many people taking photographs and recording film of their sightings.

The locals around Loch Ness have told their children stories about the creatures of the lake for many years. These creatures have taken various names including Kelpie and Water Horse. These characters have often appeared in children's programmes and films, including The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep (2007) and the popular 1980s BBC Series The Family Ness. Nessie is never far from people's minds, but will we ever find out if she really exists?

The Hunt for the Loch Ness Monster

The hunt for the Loch Ness Monster has progressed over the years. As technology has advanced the equipment available to scientists and fanatics has grown vastly. From the basic cameras, purely to record their sightings, people can now use min-subs to investigate the huge Loch. Sonar has also enabled investigation of the Loch, including the discovery in the 1950s of something in the depths apparently keeping up with the boat, and a further discovery in the late 1980s of a deeper part of Loch Ness, never before seen.

As technology continues to advance, the likelihood of finding Nessie, if she exists, grows vastly. Loch Ness will always draws the crowds for its fantastic scenery, but the chance of spotting the infamous creature will continue to lure people to the area.

If you have decided to try and spot Nessie, our Accomodation in Inverness category may be able to help.