Nessletter - No 021 - 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: Nessletter
Issue: No. 21
Date: April 1977
Publisher: Ness Information Service

This issue of Nessletter provides updates on various topics related to unexplained phenomena and local news, with a particular focus on Loch Ness and its surrounding areas.

Fortean Times

The section begins with a correction to the previous issue's address for The Fortean Times, providing the new address as P.O. Box 152, London, N10 1EP, UK.

Sighting

This article details a sighting reported by Mr. and Mrs. Sampson of Jersey on September 7, 1976, while they were on holiday in Scotland. Driving near Castle Urquhart, they observed a dark, 'hump-like' object on the surface of the bay, approximately 100 yards from the shore. The object remained static for about a minute and a half, appearing to have a white mottled effect on its surface, possibly due to water. They estimated its size to be six feet in length and four feet in height. The object then disappeared beneath the surface, leaving a shower of white water but no wake. Mr. Sampson, already a believer, noted that his wife, initially a skeptic, was convinced by the sighting. He contrasted the experience with previous observations of air currents and disturbances, stating that this genuine object showed a significant difference.

Caledonian Canal

The Caledonian Canal had been closed since November 1976 due to the failure of the Laggan Locks on the Fort August - Fort William stretch. The failure was attributed to normal wear and tear, with the locks having been built by Thomas Telford 150 years prior. The estimated cost for repairs was $250,000, a sum beyond the British Waterways Board's capacity, leading to an application for government assistance. Mr. Davenport, the Waterways Board engineer in Scotland, assured that the canal would not be permanently closed. He highlighted that more money had been spent on the canal in 1976 than in previous years, and that repairs were a priority to prevent jeopardizing livelihoods. Discussions involving the Department of the Environment, the Scottish Fishermen's Organisation, and the Caledonian Canal Pleasure Craft Operators Association were ongoing. Mr. Russell Johnstone, M.P. for Inverness, was also involved. The fishermen pointed out that the canal closure forced fishing boats to use the longer, more hazardous route via the Pentland Firth, and tour operators noted that it limited their craft to shorter stretches of the canal. These discussions continued until March, when funds were reportedly made available for repairs, with hopes to start work immediately and have the canal fully operational before the holiday season.

The closure of the canal was also noted to potentially affect monster reports, as the lack of trawler wakes might lead to fewer false sightings. Conversely, it was suggested that more cruisers spending time on Loch Ness could lead to increased engine disturbance for any creatures and more people on the water to potentially see something.

Academy of Applied Science

The Academy team planned to recommence their search for the Loch Ness Phenomena in late May. Bob Rines was to lead a smaller team this year, utilizing improved and modified equipment from previous seasons, with a focus on underwater techniques. Sonar and photographic equipment were being shipped, and a small submersible was being tested in Boston. A symposium titled "In Search of Nessie" was scheduled for June 27, 1977, at The Eden Court in Inverness. Sir Peter Scott and Bob Rines were to be the principal speakers, with Dr. Roger Wheater, Director of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, serving as Chairman. The event was presented as an opportunity for the public to see and hear the results of Bob Rines's underwater work and to participate in discussions with experts.

Otters

In a letter, Tim Dinsdale commented on otters as a potential explanation for monster sightings. He stated that after twelve years of observation and 365 days on the water in his boat on Loch Ness, he had never seen an otter. He contrasted this with the belief held by some monster critics that the loch is swarming with otters. The author of the article also noted that despite spending time on the loch, they had seen various wildlife including ducks, cormorants, grebes, an osprey, herons, and red deer, but no otters.

Odds and Ends

This section included several brief items:

• Film: The Disney film 'Man, Monsters and Mysteries' about Loch Ness was available for hire.
• Water: An American marketing firm requested 60 gallons of genuine Loch Ness water, to be shipped by air. The purpose of the water was not disclosed, but it was stated not to be for consumption. The water was collected by the Provost Ian Fraser of Inverness District, accompanied by Colonel Hugh Mac Lean, the Tourist Officer. The firm indicated a need for regular supplies if their trial venture was successful.
• Swimming: Australian long-distance swimmer Des Renford was scheduled to race British swimmer Kevin Murphy on Loch Ness in July. Murphy had previously beaten Renford in Sydney Harbour.

N.I.S. at the Lochside

This section provided information on Ness Information Service members who would be at Loch Ness during the summer. Alan McClymont was scheduled to be in the Inverfarigaig area for two weeks from June 18. Peter and Pauline Hodge planned to be there from September 5 to 17. The author and their family intended to be in the Abriacan area from July 25 to August 5. Tim Dinsdale was to assist Bob Rines and the Academy in early June, then travel to Loch Morar in July to help Adrian Shine, before returning to Loch Ness in August for his own research.

The section concluded with a request for news and views, providing the contact address for Rip Hepple and subscription rates (UK £1.25, USA & Canada $7.00).

Poem: Hogmanay 1973

A humorous poem by A.A.G. Deverill is included, personifying 'Nessie' (referred to as Nessitoras, Rhombopteryx, Ma'am) as an ancient Plesiosaurus living in Loch Ness. The poem playfully suggests that Nessie and his wife have been living in the loch for millions of years, that they are shy and elusive, and that their 'consummation' is 'forty million years deferred'. It touches on the idea of Nessie's existence being doubted and attributes such skepticism to modern transience or Celtic temperament and whiskey. The poem ends with the idea of Nessie and his mate having offspring ('Plesiosaurettes') and the possibility of Nessie trying 'another case'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly the Loch Ness Monster, alongside practical local news such as infrastructure projects (Caledonian Canal) and scientific research efforts. There is a clear interest in documenting sightings and research, while also incorporating lighter elements like humorous poems and human-interest stories (swimming race). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting information from various sources, including eyewitness accounts, scientific endeavors, and public opinion, without definitively endorsing any single explanation for the phenomena discussed. The inclusion of the 'Sampson sighting' and the detailed plans of the Academy of Applied Science indicate a continued engagement with the Loch Ness mystery. The discussion of otters suggests an awareness of and willingness to consider conventional explanations, even while exploring the more extraordinary possibilities.