Nessletter - No 004 - July 1974

Magazine Overview

This document is the July 1974 issue, number 4, of the 'Nessletter' published by the Ness Information Service. It is a newsletter providing updates on Loch Ness and its associated phenomena.

Apology

The editor begins with an apology for the late publication of the newsletter, citing two reasons: his wife Doris was in the hospital during June and gave birth to a daughter, and the family then took a holiday at Loch Ness.

Loch Ness in the News

The newsletter details recent press coverage of Loch Ness. It mentions articles in the French magazine 'Figaro' and the American magazine 'Oui' (May 1974) regarding the Japanese expedition, which 'Oui' humorously accounts for and questions the credibility of Frank Searle's pictures. 'Figaro' is noted for analyzing why the Japanese expedition failed. The 'Peoples Journal' of April 13th is mentioned for an article reviewing Peter Costello's book. The 'Glasgow Herald' of July 2nd featured Frank Searle, describing his five-year vigil and his continued observations, noting his photographs are not yet conclusive.

Bob Rines and the Academy Team

Updates are provided on Bob Rines and the Academy of Applied Sciences' underwater efforts. Rines has purchased a cottage by Tychat House to serve as his headquarters, offering a view of Urquhart Bay. However, a fault in the sonar computer that controls the automatic triggering device delayed the setup of new equipment in early July. The equipment had to be sent back to America for adjustment, with Rines expected to return in September. The plan is to use two 35mm underwater cameras linked to a powerful strobe light, set to trigger for objects larger than a predetermined size at depths up to 70ft, approximately 100 yards off Temple Pier. The system is designed to flash lights every 8 seconds if an object within range is detected. It is hoped this will improve on the 1973 results, where cameras failed to operate due to lubrication solidifying in the cold water, despite sonar charts indicating large objects within camera range on twelve occasions. Further computerised examination of 1972 film frames is described as encouraging, pending conclusions.

Tim Dinsdales Ops

Tim Dinsdale has undertaken his 26th and 27th expeditions using his boat 'Water Horse' on Loch Ness. While these were not uneventful, they did not directly connect with Nessie. Dinsdale assisted the Academy Team with sonar mapping work in July and plans to return in late September to test a new mini-hovercraft as a monster hunting vehicle. An 'Operations Newsletter' covering his 1974 work is planned.

Television

In June, an American television crew from Walker Productions visited Loch Ness to film a documentary for CBS TV, sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution. The documentary will cover The Bigfoot, The Yeti, and The Loch Ness Monster, with Nessie considered the most likely to be real. Footage was shot of Bob Rines' team, Tim Dinsdale, and Nick Mitchell, along with eyewitnesses. The program may be titled "The Monsters Who Will Not Die".

Sightings

The newsletter reports three recent sightings. The first, published in the 'Daily Mirror' on June 22nd, describes two young men, Douglas Stewart and George Thomson, seeing something black in the water and then a large, eel-like creature moving at great speed. The second sighting involved a busload of 30 people at the Clansman Hotel on July 5th, who reported seeing a long wake moving fast, with some observers noting 'bits' in the water. The third and most convincing sighting occurred on June 20th when G. Siegel, first mate on the pleasure craft 'Scot II', observed a black cigar-shaped disturbance break the surface. Siegel described Nessie as approximately 12ft long, with about 18 inches visible above the water, smooth-textured, black, and moving at 3-4 MPH. The sighting took place between Tor Point and the old pier at Abriacian in calm conditions. Siegel, who previously did not believe in the monster, found the experience shocking. He estimated the creature's size and noted its movement. The previous captain of Scot II reportedly saw the creatures ten times over 35 years. Siegel's advantage was his position in the Wheel House, giving him a better vantage point.

Vacations

The editor recounts his family's holiday at Loch Ness, which included visiting friends and hearing news. They were present when Tony Blackburn did a 'Radio One' show from the Lochside. He interviewed locals and visitors, causing traffic jams. The weather was fair, but the Loch had two to three foot waves. A publicity stunt involved posters inviting people to the Clansman Hotel to see a life-size model of Nessie. The model was described as disappointing but about the right size, with its tail and neck shortened for transport, and its head resembling a duck's to appeal to children. This was considered harmless fun. On August 10th, Nick Mitchell's book "The Loch Ness Story" was published. The press had reviewed it the previous week, highlighting passages that cast doubt on Frank Searle's photographs, which also generated publicity for Searle. The book is praised as a valuable addition to Loch Ness literature, covering its history, land sightings, the work of L.N.P.I.B., independent monster hunters, underwater research, and Bob Rines' results. It was originally intended to be written by Constance Whyte but she declined, and Nick Mitchell took on the task, doing a very good job according to the editor.

Bad News, Good News Department

On August 8th, Ted Holiday, author of "The Great Orm of Loch Ness" and "The Dragon and The Disc", suffered a severe heart attack while staying at Loch Ness and was hospitalized in Inverness. After two and a half weeks of treatment, he was discharged and planned to stay with Holly Arnold before returning to Wales. The newsletter concludes by inviting readers to submit news, views, and information, welcoming new members and news.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on the Loch Ness Monster, detailing sightings, expeditions, and media coverage. The editorial stance appears to be one of active interest and reporting on the phenomenon, with a degree of skepticism balanced by an openness to credible evidence. The editor personally visits Loch Ness and engages with key figures in the field, suggesting a commitment to gathering firsthand information. There is an emphasis on scientific investigation (Bob Rines' sonar and cameras) alongside anecdotal accounts and media portrayals. The publication also touches upon related cryptozoological subjects like Bigfoot and Yeti, indicating a broader interest in unexplained phenomena. The tone is informative and personal, reflecting the editor's involvement and experiences.