Nessletter - No 002 - March 1974

Magazine Overview

Title: Nessletter
Issue: No 2
Date: March 1974
Publisher: Ness Information Service
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the Nessletter, the second published by the Ness Information Service, focuses on recent sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, corrects previous information, and provides updates on related research and technology. The publication aims to gather and disseminate information on the phenomenon.

Corrections and Clarifications

The issue begins by correcting points from the first Nessletter. It clarifies that Bob Rines' 1973 gear was designed by Dr. Charles Wyckoff of Applied Photo Sciences, in conjunction with Dr. Robert Rines and his Academy of Applied Science team, and not by Professor Edgerton. The gear was set to trigger lights and cameras via sonar response from an object four-five feet thick, not 'long' as previously stated. Additionally, Tim Dinsdale's film was taken in 1960, not 1963. Dinsdale also pointed out that his sighting involved a triangular hump that submerged and moved underwater, emphasizing its movement across the loch rather than down its length, a direction less frequently reported.

New Sightings

The newsletter presents information on two new sightings. A third sighting from November is pending full details, as the gentleman involved, a local, wishes for it to be televised before publication after giving an interview to the B.B.C.

July 27th Sighting

Steve Kirby, a member of N.I.S., reported a sighting by his uncle, Mr. Pugh, his wife, and son. While on holiday, they stopped in a lay-by on the A82 opposite Tor Point. Mr. Pugh noticed what appeared to be a sandbank about 100 yards offshore. His son watched it through binoculars for a short time, and they later noticed it had gone. Initially, Mr. Pugh thought the tide had risen. However, upon discussing the holiday snaps with Steve, it was realized that his uncle had likely seen something else. Steve Kirby created a sighting report form, which his uncle filled out. The details provided are: Loch surface was dead smooth, viewing conditions were sunny and fine, with no wash/wake and a smooth texture. The color was blackish brown. The size was estimated at 4-6ft, observed from 100 yards away. The shape was described as 'one hump, like sandbank'. The position was as stated offshore. The time was approximately 11 am-1 pm, and the time visible was unknown.

February 8th Sighting

Another sighting was reported by two Inverness men, Henry Wilson and Andy Call, who are County Council road workers. While traveling towards Dores from Foyers on February 8th at 3 pm, they observed what they described as a serpent with a horse's head. The object traveled east towards Dores. They stopped their lorry at each lay-by to watch it and followed it for about three miles. They noted it had a wake like a submarine and made no sound. The estimated length was sixty feet. Other details provided include a duration of about 15 minutes. The witnesses were on the shore opposite Urquart Castle, and the monster was positioned 300 yards offshore, on the Foyers side. Its shape was serpentine, size approximately sixty feet, color black, and texture smooth. Its speed was estimated at 35 mph. The conditions were calm with a smooth loch surface, no boats in sight, no wind, and bright weather.

Mr. Wilson's initial reaction was excitement and disbelief, while Mr. Call expressed belief. Mr. Call, who had traveled up and down Loch Ness for almost 35 years, stated he had never seen anything before and had not believed the Monster existed until that day. The author of the Nessletter initially suspected a boat wake but, with more information, considers it a good sighting, noting that Mr. Call would recognize a boat wake.

Other News Items

Weather and Salmon

The winter at Loch Ness was described as very mild but wet, with heavy rainstorms and strong gale-force winds. Reports of fresh-run salmon, known as 'springers', showed good promise for the season, which opened on January 15th. Salmon numbers indicated a better projected season than in the previous 7 or 8 years. Additionally, signs suggested that the salmon disease U.D.N. was less prevalent this year. Brigadier G.L. Prendergast landed the first salmon of the season on January 24th, a 9-pound fresh-run fish caught at the upper end of the loch.

Monster Sightings vs. Salmon

The L.N.I. (presumably Loch Ness Investigations) has conducted a study comparing the number of monster sightings to the number of salmon running the Loch, finding a good relationship between the two.

Underwater Equipment

Regarding new underwater equipment, a vehicle named "Angus" has been successfully tested down to depths of 1,100 feet in a flooded mine shaft at Rothes colliery in Fife. "Angus" is a Navigable General-purpose Underwater Surveyor developed at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. It is a remote-controlled submersible vehicle designed for commercial markets, such as North Sea oil and gas exploration. It is scheduled to conduct test surveys from the ship "Challenger" off Shetland and had previously completed sea trials in Loch Linnhe in August. It is also due to be deployed in the Firth of Forth. The vehicle is equipped with a closed-circuit television "eye" and is considered to have significant potential.

Editorial Stance and Call for Contributions

The newsletter concludes by welcoming contributions from readers, emphasizing that ideas, suggestions, and news are vital to the publication. Readers are encouraged to send their information to the editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation into the Loch Ness Monster, with a focus on new sightings and the correction of previous data. There is also an interest in the scientific and technological aspects, as seen in the discussion of Bob Rines' equipment and the "Angus" underwater surveyor. The publication maintains a stance of actively collecting and verifying information, encouraging public participation. The connection between salmon runs and monster sightings is also noted as an area of study. The editorial tone is informative and encourages reader engagement.