Nessletter - No 005 - October 1974

Magazine Overview

Title: Ness Information Service
Issue: No 5
Date: October 1974
Publisher: Ness Information Service
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the Ness Information Service newsletter focuses on various aspects related to Loch Ness and its surrounding region, including prominent researchers, recent sightings, environmental news, and local events.

Monster Hunters in Profile: Bob Rines

This section introduces Bob Rines as a key figure in the international effort to research and find evidence of the Loch Ness and Loch Morar monsters. Tim Dinsdale, the author of this series, highlights Rines's background as Dean and Professor of Law at Franklen Pierce College, and his extensive qualifications in Physics, Engineering, and Patent Law. Rines's "ingenious technical approach towards the underwater aspects" is credited with obtaining recent strobe-flash sonar linked pictures. His enthusiasm for the chase earns him the title 'Master Monster Hunter'.

Nessie at Large

This section reports on two unusual happenings. In early August, a 'swirl' was reported in the sea off Dover, leading to a coastguard helicopter search that found nothing. Earlier, two teams of divers independently reported finding sets of 'footprints' on the floor of Lake Ullswater in the English Lake District. These were initially exciting but have since been explained as natural fault marks in the lake bottom.

Loch Ness in the News

Extensive media coverage followed the publication of Nick Witchell's book and a Tony Blackburn Radio 1 programme. Much of this coverage focused on a dispute between Nick and Frank Searle. However, 'The Rhodesia Herald' published an article featuring a foreword by naturalist Gerald Durrell, who urged greater effort to solve the Loch Ness mystery. This article is contrasted with one in the 'Aberdeen Evening Express' written by a non-believer. Other Scottish newspapers covered the Tony Blackburn programme and a model 'Monster' at the Clansman Hotel. The 'Evening Telegraph' reported a new theory by J Wilson, a nature reserve warden, suggesting that a group of otters playing could be responsible for monster sightings, a theory the author dismisses as not having studied the evidence.

Water Sports and Loch Ness

On August 17th, six swimmers attempted to swim the length of Loch Ness to mark the 90th anniversary of the Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association. Mike Read, a former Olympic swimmer, was the only one to finish, completing the swim in 14 hours 24 minutes 46 seconds, just over five minutes faster than the existing record. He was accompanied by a frogman from R.A.F. Lossiemouth and was treated for exposure and exhaustion at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness. The water temperature was 42°F.

Later, on August 31st, Mr David Munro of the Caberfeidh Water Ski Club completed a 48-mile sponsored ski from Lochend to Fort Augustus and back, raising £650 for the Handicapped Childrens Home at Maryburgh. Provost W.A.Smith of Inverness observed the run, which took 77 minutes at an average speed of 37 m.p.h. Lord Burton permitted the use of the beach at Lochend for the start and finish.

A rubber dinghy marathon, sponsored by British Petroleum and the Highlands and Islands Development Board, was organised by the London Motor Boat Racing Club. This event covered 63 miles of the Caledonian Canal, involving manhandling craft and motors around the locks. Held on September 14th/15th, it had 41 entries, with 31 finishing. The winners were Lt. Tom Dickson and Marine John Alsford of the Royal Marine City of London B team, who received the British Petroleum Cup, the Services Cup, and £100.

Caledonian Canal

The canal was closed for several days in the second week of August due to a split in a lock-gate at Laggan Locks. Mr Brian Davenport, a Scottish engineer for the British Waterways Board, described the situation as "potentially very serious because it can only get worse." He cited the oil boom and resulting wage rises as causes for the loss of skilled employees, with all diving work being done by a single carpenter. He noted that the loyal work of lock-keepers had so far allowed them to cope, but a single mechanical failure could halt the entire canal's operation.

During the last week of July, Scott 11, a boat, carried Royal passengers, including the Shah of Iran's three children: Crown Prince Reza (13), Prince Ali Reza (8), and their sister Liela (4), who reportedly enjoyed a trip on Loch Ness.

Sightings

Sergeant Keay of Inverness reported seeing a 'black dome' 20 feet from the shore of the Loch, approximately one foot high and four feet long, while driving alongside. Another local resident has also had a recent sighting, but details are not yet available.

1959 Sighting

A report from 1959 by N.I.S. member Mr George Andrews of Newcastle describes a sighting while yachting on the West Coast of Scotland. Moored in Urquart Bay late at night, he and his companions saw what they believed to be 'Nessie' travelling into the head of the bay. It was described as moving slowly (estimated at 3 mph), appearing 'paddle driven', with two humps (the larger aft, the smaller presumed to be the neck with head submerged). It was approximately 15-20 feet from them and disappeared in the darkness within 5-6 seconds. The object created a displacement wave, similar to that made by nuclear submarines, with a length estimated at 15-20 ft, and was described as 'black brown' in colour.

Geology and Weather

In early August, earth tremors affected the Wester Ross areas of Glenshiel, Dornie, Inverinate, and Achmore. A spokesman for the Institute of Geological Sciences in Edinburgh stated that further disturbances were unlikely, as such cases occur only once or twice a year. A few days later, more tremors were felt in Inverness, Fort Augustus, and the South Laggan area.

Weather records for Fort Augustus in August indicated a generally dry year, with January being the wettest month. March had higher than usual temperatures. Towards the end of August, honey bees, butterflies, wasps, and a large lizard basking in the sunshine at Loch Ness-side were observed, prompting a rhetorical question about its size and colour.

Wanted

N.I.S. member Dave Whittaker is seeking the books 'More Than a Legend' by Constance Whyte, 'The Levianthans' by Tim Dinsdale, and 'In the Wake of the Sea Serpent' by B.Heuvelmans. Information on where to obtain these books is requested.

Membership and Contact

Information is provided for contacting Dave Whittaker regarding the books. The newsletter concludes by reminding members to send news and comments, and that NIS welcomes new members. The NIS address is R.R.Hepple, Huntshieldford Cottage, St. Johns Chapel, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham DL13 1RQ. Membership is £1 per year or $5 U.S.A.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation into the Loch Ness Monster, with a focus on key researchers like Bob Rines and the dissemination of sightings and theories through media. There is also a strong emphasis on local events, environmental concerns (Caledonian Canal), and the importance of member contributions to the newsletter. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the sharing of information and research, while maintaining a critical perspective on unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the commentary on the otter theory. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting membership and connecting researchers.