Nessletter - No 007 - February 1975

Magazine Overview

Title: Nessletter
Issue: No. 7
Date: February 1975
Publisher: Ness Information Service

This issue of the Nessletter, published by the Ness Information Service in February 1975, focuses on the origins and history of the organization, alongside news and observations related to Loch Ness.

The Genesis of Ness Information Service

The "Editor's Note" details how the Ness Information Service (N.I.S.) came into being. The author, a private individual, first visited Loch Ness in 1965, driven by a belief in the existence of a large, unknown creature. Although he did not personally see anything, he joined the 'Loch Ness Phenomena Investigation Bureau' (L.N.I.). Over subsequent years, he spent his annual holidays with the L.N.I. at Lochside, gaining experience in observation and operations, eventually becoming a Group Commander training new members.

In 1969, the author closed his business and in 1970, was able to assist Tim Dinsdale, the 'Surface Photography Director' for the L.N.I. expedition. Around this time, the Inverness County Council (I.C.C.) began creating difficulties for the L.N.I., prompting them to seek a new site. The I.C.C. granted a one-year extension at their basecamp in Achnahannet, provided certain standards were met.

In January 1971, the author was tasked with improving the Achnahannet site, involving moving caravans, altering fences, installing drains, a septic tank, a new P.R. building, and washing facilities with hot water. This significantly improved the headquarters for the 1971 season. During this season, Tim Dinsdale made progress towards a new site at Fasagh, but further problems arose, leading to another one-year extension request for Achnahannet, which was reluctantly granted.

A significant personal change occurred at the end of the 1971 season when the author acquired a wife and family, making him unable to return to the L.N.I. in 1972. Concurrently, plans for the Fasagh site fell through, and the I.C.C. insisted the Achnahannet site be vacated by the end of 1972. Consequently, after ten years of fieldwork, the L.N.I. was forced to cease its "Monster Hunting" activities.

Membership and the Birth of Nessletter

The author reflects on his work with the L.N.I., emphasizing the dedication of its members who funded their own participation and undertook various tasks. With the L.N.I. ceasing operations, many interested individuals were left without news from Loch Ness. The author, receiving news from friends at Loch Ness, conceived the idea for the N.I.S. His plans were laid in 1973, and the N.I.S. began publication in January 1974, albeit with a shaky start due to issues with typing and duplication, as noted in the early Nessletters. By the end of 1974, the N.I.S. had nearly broken even, a heartening outcome for the author who did not aim to make money but hoped to minimize costs.

With an expanding membership and encouraging support, the author requests subscriptions for 1975, keeping the rate the same as in 1974. He expresses hope that members find the N.I.S. worthwhile and looks forward to continued support.

Loch Ness News

Weather

1974 was reported as the wettest year in 25 years at Fort Augustus, with 1407.3mm of rain recorded by the Forestry Commission between July 1st and December 31st, with only 17 days without rain during that period. This was followed by severe weather in mid-January across the Highland area, characterized by snow drifts and strong winds that blocked the A9 main road for some time. Fort Augustus experienced a temperature of minus one degree Fahrenheit (33 degrees of frost) on the night of January 22nd. As the snow thawed, there were fears of flooding in the Spey valley, prompting farmers to move livestock to higher ground. In contrast, the first week of February turned sunny and warm, with an unusual observation of wasps feeding on Snowdrops in Fort Augustus.

Angling

The angling season on the River Ness and other waters began on January 15th. Signs of spawning fish since November suggested improved future stocks. Melting snow caused significant spates in rivers feeding Loch Ness, which aided fish movement. The River Moriston yielded good catches at the season's start, including a 11 lb fish by Superintendent A. Mackay of Inverness Constabulary, and the largest fish from the water in many years, weighing 32 lbs. Other anglers caught fish weighing 18 lbs and at least two of 29 lbs.

'Bigfoot' News

Tim Dinsdale shared issue number three of "Bigfoot News" (December 1974), a new publication about bipedal 'Monster' phenomena in the Pacific Northwest of America. The author found it interesting and suggested that N.I.S. members might wish to subscribe. The address provided is Bigfoot Information Centre, P.O. Box 632, The Dalles, Oregon 97058, U.S.A., with a U.K. membership costing $7.50 for a monthly newsletter via airmail.

Sightings

More news is reported from two boys who had a head and neck sighting near Fort Augustus, previously mentioned in N.I.S.6. Kevin Buggy (12) and Hugh Kennedy (11), both students at The Abbey School at Fort Augustus, were contacted and sent sighting report forms. They returned the forms after the Christmas holidays, but without specific dates or times. The boys were on the bank of the Caledonian canal near its junction with Loch Ness. The Loch was calm with slight mist and had recently rained. Hugh first saw the object and drew Kevin's attention to it: a neck with a small head, approximately 5 feet in height. They provided no thickness estimate, but their sketches suggested about 9 inches. The object was directly opposite or slightly to the right of the pier separating the canal from the River Oich, at a distance of 100 to 150 yards. Its color was described as greenish brownish, and it moved away from them in a North Westerly direction. They watched it for about three minutes before it disappeared.

News & Views

Paul Covell, working as chief electrician at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, expressed his willingness to meet fellow N.I.S. members passing through. He visited Loch Ness ten times during the previous year, even for short periods, demonstrating his keen interest.

The editor requests that members planning to visit Loch Ness in 1975 send their dates to be included in future Nessletters, facilitating direct contact between members at the Loch-side. The editor also reminds readers that articles, news, and anything of interest to Nessie hunters are always welcome.

Subscription Information

Ness Information Service publishes six Nessletters annually for individuals interested in Loch Ness, its surroundings, and its creatures. The annual subscription is £1 for the British Isles and 5 Dollars for the U.S.A. and Canada. The service welcomes news, views, and articles of interest to Nessie Hunters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the history and operational challenges of Loch Ness investigation organizations, particularly the L.N.I. and the establishment of the N.I.S. There is a strong emphasis on membership and community involvement. The issue also covers local environmental conditions (weather, angling) and reports on potential phenomena, including a UFO/UAP sighting and a mention of Bigfoot. The editorial stance is one of continued interest and engagement with Loch Ness phenomena, aiming to keep enthusiasts informed and connected, while acknowledging the difficulties faced by investigative groups.