Nessletter - No 024 - 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: Ness Information Service Nessletter
Issue: No.24
Date: November 1977

This issue of the Ness Information Service Nessletter delves into various topics related to unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on potential misidentifications and ongoing research.

Waterspouts

The lead article discusses the possibility of mistaking waterspouts for monster sightings, referencing an account from Mr. Lyster. Mr. Lyster was reminded of a story told to him by Dr. H.M.G. Blair of South Shields. Dr. Blair, while fishing in a Norwegian fiord in June 1934, witnessed a mini-whirlwind on a hillside that flattened fir-trees. This whirlwind then moved across the freshwater lake Lake Svartakselvand, creating a distinct hump in the water, approximately 20 feet in diameter and 3 feet high. Dr. Blair, described as a 'Nessie non-believer,' regards such events as natural explanations for Loch Ness sightings. The article notes the coincidence of this account reaching the Ness Information Service (N.I.S.) through Dr. Blair's family connection to Mr. Lyster's wife.

Canada

George Vyce, an N.I.S. member, sent a letter responding to a previous issue (N.I.S. 23). He reminisces about old acquaintances from 'The Ritz' and 'The Black Hole' during his stay at L.N.I. in the late 1970s and recalls the hospitality of friends like Holly, Arnold, and Bear in London during the winter of 1971. George has since become a teacher for mentally retarded children north of Toronto. He plans to visit Europe in the summer of 1978 and is interested in joining a Loch Ness watch, suggesting early planning for July or August. He also forwarded a report from a 'In-Toronto' programme on Radio CHUM-FM from October 2nd.

Monster Conference

Margorie Halpern, Curator of the Museum of Ethnology at the University of British Columbia, reported by telephone interview about the upcoming First Academic Council On Monsters, scheduled for May 9th-13th, 1978, at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. The conference aims to explore how scholars respond to 'monster' happenings and to encourage critical thinking in investigating these phenomena. It is expected to feature over thirty scientists and scholars presenting from various perspectives. A paper by Carol Carpenter of York University, Toronto, will focus on the cultural role of monsters. While the conference will address man-like monsters, a future conference might cover aquatic animals. Ms. Halpern coined the term 'Sasquatchanalia' for a display of Sasquatch-related artifacts, and the article ponders what term could be used for physical evidence of the Loch Ness Monster (L.N.M.), noting that 'Nessieana' has already been used in Great Britain.

Italian Nessie Hunt

Three Italian sub-aqua divers from Trento, Northern Italy, are scheduled to visit Loch Ness in late October and early November for approximately three weeks. They will be joined by two students from Parma who won a television quiz game and expressed a desire to find the Loch Ness monster. This event has garnered some publicity but is described as likely being more of a sightseeing outing.

Danish Adventurers Club Visit

On October 24th, a group of Danes visited Fort Augustus and stayed at the Lovat Arms Hotel. Tim Dinsdale met with them, delivered an illustrated talk on Nessie, and guided them on a tour of Loch Ness and St. Benedict's Abbey. The Highlands and Islands Development Board hosted a Highland Dinner for the guests on the evening of October 25th, honoring their adventurous backgrounds. The event was described as a very jolly time.

Otters Again

Tim Dinsdale reported seeing a large, 2-foot otter at 3 a.m. in late August. The otter had boarded his boat, 'Water Horse,' and was eating fat from a frying pan left in the transom well to deter such visitors. This was Tim's first glimpse of an otter in 397 nights spent on the water.

Nodding Ducks (N.I.S. 19)

The first weeks of November will see the installation and testing of the 'nodding ducks' electricity generating system in Dores Bay. This system utilizes wave power. The main component, a one-meter diameter, fifty-meter long steel cylinder, has been moored in Dores Bay since spring. The program has progressed to the stage where the 'ducks' are being attached to a boom, which has been towed to Foyers along with the generating equipment. The entire assembly will then be towed back to Dores to begin generating ten kilowatts of power, a significant amount for wave energy in the UK. The system's size is about one-tenth of ocean-going equipment, chosen because wave size and conditions in Loch Ness are also about one-tenth of ocean conditions. If successful, larger equipment may be installed off the Clyde coast. Wave power is seen as a feasible alternative energy source.

Poisonous!!

This section discusses an article from 'The Aquarist' by Andrew Allen concerning the poisonous aspects of amphibians. Amphibian toxins are found in their skin, which serves as a surface for interaction, water exchange, and respiration. Glands in the skin secrete protective substances, some of which are virulent poisons. The European salamander produces salamandrine, causing convulsions and paralysis. Certain European newts have obnoxious poisons, and a small drop from a crested newt can cause paralysis and excessive salivation. Tropical South American tribes use poison from forest frogs on their arrows for hunting. These poisons are defensive, harming only those that interfere with the amphibians. The article notes that some animals circumvent this by removing the skin before eating the amphibian. The relevance to Loch Ness is raised: if 'Nessie' is an amphibian, it could be a very large and poisonous creature to the touch.

Costello

The author read John Costello's book 'In Search of Lake Monsters' earlier in the year, finding it less impressive than others on the subject. A disturbing reference was to Frank Searle being 'sponsored' in his researches by David James. Upon inquiry, David James replied that Costello's book is inaccurate, particularly regarding the support for Frank Searle. While they initially provided Searle with a camera, they ceased contact after he broke an agreement by publishing film before a JARIC assessment. The 'we' refers to the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau.

Book and Map

Mr. M. Foxley has copies of 'The Search for Morag' by Elizabeth Montgomery-Campbell available for $2.00 plus P&P (or $6.00 for USA). Tim Dinsdale also offers copies of the map mentioned in NIS 23 for £1.00 in the UK. In the USA, the Big Foot Information Centre offers the 'Loch Ness Map' for $3.00.

N.I.S.

Regarding lapel badges, there was a small response, but it also led to other ideas, including car stickers and an annual get-together for N.I.S. members. An expedition was also suggested, though it presents many organizational, equipment, and transport challenges.

Sighting

A report of a sighting off Fort Augustus by young girls mentioned humps and a neck visible for a long while. Further details are promised for the next newsletter.

The editor thanks contributors and reminds readers of the N.I.S. address and subscription rates (UK £1.25, USA/Canada $7.00).

Nessie's Night

A poem titled 'Nessie's Night' by Jane Hibbert is included. It describes Nessie coming out at night when the moon is bright, being cautious, and then sinking back into the loch by 12 o'clock, leaving the mystery unresolved.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation and reporting of potential monster sightings, with a focus on natural explanations like waterspouts. The newsletter also highlights scientific research, such as wave power generation experiments at Loch Ness, and explores broader topics like the cultural significance of monsters and the biological properties of amphibians. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging members to share observations and information while also critically examining phenomena and seeking rational explanations where possible. There's a clear interest in maintaining contact with members and fostering a community around these topics.