Nessletter - No 052 - 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
Issue: Nessletter No 52
Date: June 1982
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of the Nessletter focuses on recent developments and ongoing investigations related to the Loch Ness Monster and other unexplained phenomena. It includes reports on new photographic evidence, witness sightings, the scientific field of cryptozoology, and research activities.

New Photograph

The issue begins with an account of a new photograph taken at Loch Ness by a friend of Miles Cato. The friend, who had no personal interest in the subject, passed the photograph to Miles. Miles, believing it might offer clues to the Loch Ness mystery, sought the opinion of investigator Tim Dinsdale. Dinsdale, after examining a print and enlargement, concluded that the photograph was unfortunately of little use. The primary issues identified were the lack of background and a glassy surface, making it impossible to judge scale. The photograph was taken in September 1981, during a day with a calm surface and restricted visibility due to heavy mist. The estimated range was 150-200 yards, and the camera used was a 110 Instamatic. The resulting image shows a dark, almost silhouetted, triangular object with a small projection, possibly a head and neck. However, the absence of reference points makes it impossible to determine the object's size, distance, or even confirm it was taken at Loch Ness, though the author personally sees no reason to doubt its authenticity.

The author reflects on how this episode raises doubts about his own efforts at Loch Ness, where he prefers to see a large back, head, or neck at close quarters rather than distant objects. He carries a 35mm camera for such an eventuality but questions if he could produce more useful evidence if fortunate enough to have a close sighting.

Miles Cato, who is 18, plans to take a year off after school before university and hopes to spend time at Loch Ness himself.

Sightings

The newsletter provides a brief list of sightings reported so far in 1982, with a disclaimer that these have not been investigated and may be cases of mistaken identity.

• January 1982 (near Dores): Three people reported seeing a large dark object break the surface, followed by a smaller hump, both seeming connected and submerging.
• January 1982 (near Invermiston): Five people in a car reported seeing a head and neck briefly appear above the surface.
• February 1982 (near Invermoriston): A group of tourists reported seeing something break the surface, leaving a large disturbance.
• May 1982 (opposite ends of the loch): Two reports were received. One described a head and neck in the Fort Augustus area. Another, from people in a lay-by opposite Tor Point, reported a large object creating a strong wash.

Almost Sightings

Mrs E Percival recounts her family's visits to Loch Ness in 1981 and Easter 1982. In the Fort Augustus area, she heard of six people who saw an unusual wake. Upon investigation, they reported seeing a small black hump at the head of the wake, which then disappeared. Mrs Percival found the episode frustrating as they had just left the spot.

Doug Macfarlane shares his Loch Ness program for 1981. While working at a refinery near Nigg, he spent evenings watching the loch. He took a family holiday at the end of August, staying at Scaniport and parking near Urquhart Castle. Despite no sightings, he experienced a similar near-miss to Mrs Percival. While getting coffee, he heard anglers shouting excitedly about seeing a disturbance and splashing on the surface, too large for a salmon, but with nothing definite seen in the waves. Doug missed the event by seconds, though he had a 400mm lens ready.

Airship

The Goodyear airship Europa completed a week of research flights over the Great Glen, Moray, and Beauly Firths. Based at Dalcross Airport, the airship was equipped with scientific instruments. Research included observing sewage distribution from Inverness, mapping currents in Loch Ness using a heat scanning video system, and testing sulphur dioxide levels in cloud and rain, relevant to the effects of acid rain on flora and fauna. The Forestry Commission and Nature Conservancy Council conducted aerial photography for studying wind and storm damage. The MacAulay Institute of Soil Research used infra-red photography for data collection to be compared with satellite data. Notably, Tim Dinsdale and Adrian Shine conducted observations of Loch Ness from the airship, along with coordinated aerial and surface sonar tests.

Tall Ship

Nessletter 51 mentioned the planned use of the sailing ship 'Stina' on Loch Ness in the autumn. Mr George Andrews reports that Mariners International has cancelled the 'Stina's' Loch Ness Programme due to a lack of response.

Lake Champlain

Joe Zarzynski has been active with the Lake Champlain Phenomena Investigation. In 1981, he documented 17 sightings, bringing the total to 154. Over 40% of these reported a head and neck. For the current season, Joe will conduct more work at Champlain and visit Loch Ness and Loch Morar with LCPI associate Pat Meaney. He will also teach a summer course at the University of Vermont on Champ and Nessie. Information on the vacation college program is available from Mr Burt Sisco at UVM.

A significant development is the Vermont State Legislature's endorsement of a resolution calling for the protection of creatures in Lake Champlain from "wilful acts resulting in death, injury and harassment." This resolution, while not legally binding, expresses the House's sentiment and encourages scientific investigation and reporting of sightings. Senator Ronald Stafford of the New York State Assembly is sponsoring a similar resolution. Lake Champlain spans Vermont, New York, and Quebec, making this resolution important. Joe is surprised by its strength in New York and concerned it might be premature.

Dave Salonin, from Quebec, is also involved in the Champlain mystery, coordinating his research with Joe Zarzynski and writing a column called 'Champ Alert' for 'The Islander'.

James Baldwin

James Baldwin writes that he prefers news from Loch Ness and Morar, believing that focusing on British Isles investigations will enhance credibility with the public and scientific establishment. He suggests that deeper discussions of existing evidence, photographs, and other matters will inspire members and prove self-generating for coordinated investigation. He also notes that members might have surprising views on photographs like those by McNab.

The author agrees with James regarding the importance of focusing on Loch Ness but also sees value in covering Lake Champlain, especially for American members who may not be able to visit Scotland. He believes that proving Champ's existence would significantly boost efforts at Loch Ness, and vice versa.

James also commented on letters from Bill Paintin and Roland Watson, finding them interesting and advocating for open-mindedness and the sharing of actual experiences.

Regarding photographic equipment, James is planning a visit to Loch Ness and wonders about the availability of 16mm Bolex cameras from the 1972 LNI expedition, suggesting they could be made available to members with appropriate indemnity arrangements.

Cryptozoology

The International Society of Cryptozoology is described as a focal point for the investigation and analysis of animals of unexpected form, size, or occurrence. The Society aims to encourage scientific examination of evidence in a strictly objective manner, acknowledging that the field is often subject to emotional debate. Examples of previously 'unexpected' animals now accepted include the gorilla, okapi, coelacanth, and 'Megamouth' shark. The Society is concerned with reports of large octopi, Stellar's Sea Cow, sea serpents, lake monsters (including Loch Ness), long-necked animals in Central Africa, and hominoids like the yeti and sasquatch. Interested individuals are invited to contact JR Greenwell.

Tail Ends

• Loch Ness Charters: Offers 6-berth motor sailers for hire, with options for sail or motor, starting from £25 daily.
• Books: Lionel Leslie's book 'The Waterhorse', focusing on Connemara expeditions and Loch Ness experiences from 1962-69, is due for publication.
• For Sale: Mrs K A Gosling has copies of 'Loch Ness Monster' by Tim Dinsdale and 'The Great Orme of Loch Ness' by FW Holiday for sale.
• Book Wanted: Johnny Long is looking for 'The Warm Blooded Dinosaur'.
• Loch Ness & Morar Project: Is using a converted barge 'Phyllis' and seeks volunteers.
• Johnny Long's Visit: Plans to spend 10 days at Loch Ness in August or September, camping near Boleskin or staying at Foyers Hotel, and will be recognized by his oversized parka.
• Author's Visit: RR Hepple plans to be at Loch Ness from July 26th to August 6th with his family.

Subscriptions are £2.50 for the UK and $9.00 for USA & Canada.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation into the Loch Ness Monster through photographic evidence and witness sightings, the broader scientific field of cryptozoology, and the importance of rigorous, objective investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism and a commitment to gathering and analyzing evidence, while also acknowledging the challenges and frustrations inherent in such research. There is a clear emphasis on the need for detailed, verifiable information and a desire to maintain credibility within the scientific community. The newsletter also highlights the international scope of these investigations, with mentions of research in Scotland and Lake Champlain.