Nessletter - No 008 - April 1975

Magazine Overview

Title: Nessletter
Issue: No. 8
Date: April 1975
Publisher: Ness Information Service

This issue of the Nessletter, published by Ness Information Service in April 1975, covers a range of topics related to Loch Ness and unexplained phenomena, alongside practical information for members.

Foyers Hydro-Electric Scheme

The lead article details the formal opening of the Foyers Hydro-Electric Scheme on April 3rd by Mr. William Ross, Secretary of State for Scotland. This £19.4 million scheme is the second of its kind in the country, following the one at Cruachin, Argyllshire. These stations are designed to manage surplus power from large thermal stations during low demand periods by pumping water to a higher level, which can then be used for power generation during peak demand. The Foyers scheme is capable of feeding 300 megawatts into the Highland Grid within three minutes. A notable feature is its pioneering microwave radio control system, with the central control room at Fort Augustus, 16 miles away, also managing the Dochfour outlet. This system is linked to the Board's central control at Pitlochry, allowing for push-button instructions and eliminating the need for telephones.

The article poses an interesting question for 'Nessophiles': whether the warmer water returned to Loch Ness might lead to larger fish and potentially attract more creatures to the area.

Silly Season

Under the heading 'Silly Season,' the newsletter reports on a group of firemen from Queensway, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, who planned to build a 20ft model monster. Constructed from wood, oil drums, and paper mache, the monster was to be powered by two electric motors and towed to Loch Ness in late July. The objective of this stunt was to raise money for their benevolent fund. The article notes that the Whittle Institute of Agriculture attempted a similar endeavor about 10 years prior.

"Barmy" - Creature Sighting Near Barmouth

This section details a report concerning the sighting of a strange creature on a beach at Barmouth, Cambria (North Wales). On Sunday, March 2nd, 1975, six twelve-year-old school girls were on the beach at Llanaber, approximately 200 yards from the northern end of the Barmouth promenade. They reported seeing a creature about 10ft long with a long tail, a long neck, and huge green eyes, which they described as being like a dinosaur. The creature reportedly walked towards the sea and entered the water. The incident was reported to coastguards and police, but a search of the area yielded no clues. One of the girls added that the creature had large saucer-like feet with three long pointed nails. The newsletter notes this is the latest in a series of reports, some dating back 60-70 years. It also mentions a photograph taken twelve years ago that was not very distinct, and a 1937 encounter by Mr. Robert Jones with a crocodile-like creature near Harlech. Additionally, four fishermen reportedly saw a strange beast rise from kelp-beds in the Menai Straights, suggesting this area warrants further investigation.

Loch Ness in the News

The newsletter rounds up recent media coverage concerning Loch Ness. The Daily Mail of Tuesday, April 1st, published an article about the cessation of operations by The Loch Ness Investigation, featuring an interview with Holly Arnold explaining the reasons. The Reveille of April 11th mentioned a 'Dr Who' story based on Nessie, which was being filmed and scheduled for screening in August. The April issue of 'Scottish Field' contained an article titled "The Loch Ness Monster Is It a Ghost?" This piece explored the geological formation of the British Isles, with a focus on the Scottish Highlands, and included accounts of Jurassic animal life. It then proposed a theory that Plesiosaurs in Loch Ness millions of years ago emitted electrical brain impulses, high-frequency waves that were picked up by rock nuclei. This excitation, the theory suggests, causes energy to leak out, which can be perceived by individuals with 'correctly tuned brains' as the monsters.

N.I.S. at the Lochside

This section provides an update on planned visits to Loch Ness by Ness Information Service (NIS) members. Ricky Gardiner was scheduled to visit for about a week starting April 1st and planned a return trip in late July or August. John Berton, a Frenchman, visited on April 11th for about a week. The author of the newsletter intends to visit from July 25th to August 8th. Tim Dinsdale is expected to be at Loch Ness during June and July, operating from a small white boat. Liz Montgomery Campbell also sent a note regarding Loch Morar, mentioning that interest is maintained and small groups visit, but local sensitivity means their presence is not advertised.

The newsletter includes a request for NIS members planning to visit Loch Ness to share their details. It also notes that travel to Inverness has become easier with the reopening of Dalcross airport on April 1st, following runway improvements, and mentions the new bridge over Loch Leven at Ballachulish, expected to be ready for traffic by the end of September.

Subscriptions and Membership

Members are urged to renew their subscriptions. The newsletter breaks down the membership distribution: 31 English, 18 American, 7 Scottish, 2 Canadian, 2 Welsh, 1 Australian, 1 Belgian, 1 French, and 1 Guatemalan member.

Sad News

The newsletter reports the sad news of the drowning of the father of an L.N.I. expedition member from 1970/1 on the evening of Saturday, March 15th. He had been walking from his home to the village for a drink with friends when he apparently slipped on the riverside path and fell into the water.

The editor thanks those who sent information and reminds readers that news and views are always welcome.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of technological development (hydro-electric power) with the mystery of Loch Ness, the ongoing public fascination with the Loch Ness Monster, and the reporting of various sightings and speculative theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of information dissemination and community building among those interested in Loch Ness phenomena, encouraging members to share their experiences and plans. The newsletter also maintains a connection to its readership by including personal news, such as the 'Sad News' section, and practical details like subscription information and travel updates.