Nessletter - No 071 - 1985

Magazine Overview

This issue of NESSLETTER, number 71, published in August 1985 by the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE, focuses on holiday experiences and research related to Loch Ness and other unexplained phenomena. The cover headline is 'HOLIDAYS 1985'. The ISSN is 0264-7001.

Holiday Experiences and Sightings at Loch Ness

The author recounts their holiday at Loch Ness in July 1985, noting the poor weather but the pleasure of reconnecting with NIS members and friends. A significant encounter was with Jim Skeldon, who shared his theory about Nessie being connected to leeches, a theory later corrected regarding the size of South American leeches.

• Several other researchers and individuals are mentioned for their activities and sightings:
• Alastair Boyd: Visited at Strone, he was using a new 800mm lens for his camera and had previously had a sighting in 1979.
• Henry Bauer: Was staying at Drumnadrochit for six weeks, having been contacted through NIS two years prior. He was researching theories about Nessie.
• Tony Harmsworth: Met at the Loch Ness Centre, Drumnadrochit. The exhibition featured an elephant's trunk replica, aquariums, and the 'John Murray' inflatable.
• Debbie Grimason: A hotel worker who reported seeing a hump in Urquhart Bay in early July.
• Highland Onmi bus driver and friend: Reported seeing a huge hump at some 200/300 yards on June 27th, described as 14 feet long and 14 feet high, resembling a submarine's conning tower.
• Ian and Candy Cameron: Reported a sighting on July 16th of an object about 10 to 15 feet long and three feet across, moving parallel to the shore with significant commotion.
• Doug Macfarlane: A researcher with a ten-foot boat equipped with an echo sounder, who was conducting calibration work on the loch.
• Steuart Campbell: Discussed his views on the Rines's 1972 sonar targets and his forthcoming book, which investigates evidence for large unidentified creatures in Loch Ness but finds results against the theory. He also commented on the Hugh Gray photograph.

Loch Ness Project Work

Tony Harmsworth provided an update on the Loch Ness Project's activities. They had acquired a large trawler-type vessel, which suffered a minor seam issue. The project operated for only four weeks due to funding issues but completed an interesting over-winter experiment. This involved using a weighted bundle of hessian sacking as an anchor for a buoyant rope. The rope was located using sonar and retrieved, revealing Chironomid larvae (insect larvae of midges) and possibly Mysis shrimps. The presence of a lamprey, which is parasitic on fish, was also noted.

Other Sightings and Phenomena

• Lake Tahoe: Erik Beckjord reported 18 people seeing a 'Tessie' creature and taking photographs. The local Visitors' Bureau was reluctant to allow public viewing of a movie film strip and a 35mm slide, fearing it would 'make a circus' of the area.
• Lake Hanas, China: Chinese scientists reportedly solved a monster mystery, identifying the creature as large fish belonging to the salmon family.

Investigations and Theories

• Hugh Gray Photograph: Steuart Campbell obtained a first-generation print of the 1933 photograph and believes it shows a labrador dog. He reported that a police computer used for un-blurring images was unable to clarify the photograph, suggesting the blur might be from spray rather than an out-of-focus object.
• Steuart Campbell on Henry Bauer: Campbell critiques Henry Bauer's review of Binns's book, accusing Bauer of inaccuracies and unjustified attacks, while also acknowledging some justified points in Bauer's criticism. Campbell defends Binns's skepticism and questions Bauer's scientific objectivity.

Miscellaneous Incidents

• A domestic goose was found on the shore near Lochend.
• A seal, previously reported in the loch, was reportedly shot, with its carcass found on the shore near Boleskin.
• A Mini Metro car was damaged by a runaway bale of hay near Temple Pier.
• An attempt was planned for early September to raise the Wellington aircraft from Loch Ness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently features personal accounts of alleged sightings, research updates, and discussions of various theories surrounding lake monsters and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories for members to consider, while also critically evaluating claims, particularly in the case of Steuart Campbell's analysis of Henry Bauer's work. There is an emphasis on encouraging member participation and sharing of news and views.