Nessletter - No 080 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: NESSLETTER
Issue: NO 80
Date: February 1987
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
ISSN: 0264-7001

This issue of the Nessletter, under the "Rip's Piece" section, begins with sad news regarding the passing of two key figures in the Loch Ness investigations: David James, who died in mid-December, and Lionel Leslie, who died on January 17th.

In Memoriam: David James and Lionel Leslie

David James, a man of great integrity and a former M.P., was approached in 1961 by naturalists seeking support for serious investigation into Loch Ness. Despite initial doubt, he became involved and was instrumental in the establishment of the Loch Ness Phenomena Investigation Bureau (L.N.P.I.B.) in November 1961. His support and financial help were crucial for the Bureau's development and research contributions. The author defends James against accusations of perpetuating the myth, acknowledging that mistakes were made by the L.N.P.I.B. but emphasizing that at the time, resources and manpower were used to the best of their ability.

Lionel Leslie, who died at 86, had a varied life, including service in the army, distinguished service in World War II, and careers as an author, sculptor, big game hunter, and explorer. He was an early member of the L.N.P.I.B., participating in expeditions and conducting extensive research into Irish lake creatures. The author recalls meeting Lionel in the late 1960s during a Loch Ness Investigation expedition, where he actively participated despite his age. Lionel was described as a wonderful character and a true 'gentle'-man.

Research Updates and Observations

The newsletter includes a letter from David Benett (NIS74), who maintains his strong interest in the loch and the possibility of large animals, though he is dismayed by their elusiveness. He suggests a behavioral explanation for their rare surface appearances, drawing a parallel to marine turtles that have adapted to gaseous exchange through skin folds.

Another item discusses a BBC television nature program on sea-snakes, highlighting their adaptations for marine life, including the ability to obtain oxygen through their skins, allowing for prolonged submersion. This is presented as a potential parallel for how Loch Ness creatures might remain unseen.

Doug Macfarlane's 1986 Efforts

Doug Macfarlane provides an update on his 1986 research efforts. He reports a quiet year for major research at the loch, with Adrian Shine of the Loch Ness Project not being very visible. Macfarlane conducted seven trips to Loch Ness between March and October, totaling 36.5 days, and also used his sounder on Loch Lomond and Loch Oich. He also made seven outings on the Firth of Clyde, using known targets like Scuba divers and seals as comparisons for midwater targets at Loch Ness, though these comparisons have been inconclusive.

During the 1986 season, Macfarlane logged seventy-seven hours of sonar and approximately two hundred and fifty hours of camera watch at Loch Ness. He now uses two SLR cameras, with his wife Margaret assisting. His results from various sounders suggest the presence of something above normal fish size in the loch. He was present during the Project's ten-boat sweep attempt in October, which was prematurely ended by bad weather. Macfarlane noted the use of Lowrance echosounders and discussed his findings with a Swiftech manager and a Lowrance specialist, Dave Steensland. Steensland found Macfarlane's interpretation and recording quality to be very good. While Steensland was less enthusiastic about two other traces, he did acknowledge that a large bottom trace was likely not vegetation and possibly not fish, given its size and duration in the sonar beam.

Macfarlane has recently acquired a blue Renault 20 and a boat trailer, which will facilitate shorter expeditions. He plans to escalate his commitment to the search in the coming season, with new ideas for improvements both on and off the water, preferring to submit results rather than plans.

Steuart Campbell's Analysis and Critique

Steuart Campbell's letters are discussed, with the author noting they offer little new information. Campbell returns to the Wilson photograph, clarifying his position on the 'horns' and stating he never claimed they were caused by a kinked or broken tail, but rather by damage. He also reiterates his view that Tim Dinsdale's filming height was above sea level, not loch level. The author disputes Campbell's interpretation of a 'Spot Height' on a map, arguing it's not the one Tim Dinsdale used. The author criticizes Campbell for misrepresenting Dinsdale's claims and for his selective interpretation of evidence.

The author examines Campbell's book, "The Monsters of Loch Ness," noting that while it mentions 3,000 recorded reports, it only analyzes 251 valid observations. Campbell categorizes these into wave-like, log-like, otter-like, deer-like, and vegetable mat reports. The author questions why the remaining 200+ reports are excluded and suggests Campbell relies heavily on other authors, selectively quoting findings to support his own theories.

Specifically, the author addresses Campbell's interpretation of the Hodge episode of May 21, 1964, where movie film and stills were taken. Campbell claims no stills have been published and quotes Roy Mackal as stating the footage shows only a wash too distant to merit analysis. The author points out that Campbell omits Mackal's conclusion that the object was unlikely to be a bird or an otter due to its behavior and submergence. Mackal concluded that while the photographic material was genuine, the exact nature of the animal observed remained uncertain, a conclusion the author feels Steuart Campbell distorts.

The author concludes that Steuart Campbell picks and chooses parts of reports to suit his argument, presenting his book as one that supports his explanations of the phenomenon.

Upcoming Events and Conferences

International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC) Meeting:

Details are provided for the sixth Annual Membership Meeting of the ISC, scheduled for July 25/26th in Edinburgh. This will be the first two-day event, hosted by the Royal Museum of Scotland. The theme will be "The Search for Nessie in the 1980's," featuring presentations by major researchers. It is anticipated to be the first time a major scientific institution lends support to a conclave on the Loch Ness monster. The gathering will also be a joint meeting with the Scottish Branch of the Society for History of Natural History. The museum, aiming to address the question objectively, will open the meeting to the general public for a nominal £1 admission fee.

Consideration is being given to a bus tour to Inverness and Loch Ness after the meeting, depending on sufficient support.

Alternative Nessie Conference:

An alternative conference is planned for Edinburgh at the same time as the ISC meeting, located near the museum. This conference will feature speakers from the Cryptozoology Museum in Malibu and other groups with non-mainstream views on Loch Ness and lake monsters. The program includes screenings of films and photos, such as the 1981 Jennifer Bruce analysis, the 1983 Dennis Hall video, the 1983 Beckjord Achnahannet Nessie Film, and comparisons with historical Nessie images. The 1977 Smith Nessie film is tentatively scheduled for enlargement. Dr. Henry Bauer and Doc Shiels are among those invited. Skeptics will be invited to express counter-opinions, with a possible debate planned.

Erik Beckjord is involved in organizing this alternative conference and is also planning to produce a video cassette on the Loch Ness Monster and other lake monsters, seeking materials from authors and photographers. He envisions this as a potential ongoing income source through rentals and sales.

Odd Ends and Subscription Information

Snippets from the Highland News newspaper are included, mentioning an exhibition on "Scotland's Disappearing Wildlife" and a lecture by Dr. Imants Priede on tracking basking sharks and deep-sea fish, suggesting such techniques could be useful for Loch Ness research.

The newsletter concludes by thanking members and soliciting news and views. It also asks if anyone supports Steuart Campbell's views. The editor's address is provided for correspondence and subscriptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation into the Loch Ness Monster, the importance of historical figures and their contributions, the critical analysis of evidence and interpretations, and the promotion of upcoming events related to cryptozoology. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism regarding research, a critical approach to unsubstantiated claims or selective use of evidence (as seen in the critique of Steuart Campbell's work), and a commitment to reporting on both official and alternative viewpoints within the field of cryptozoology. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific and investigative aspects of the Loch Ness phenomenon, while also acknowledging the broader interest in unexplained mysteries.