Nessletter - No 082 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE NEWSLETTER
Issue: No. 82
Date: July 1987
ISSN: 0264-7001
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE

This issue of the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE NEWSLETTER, dated July 1987, focuses on various reports and theories related to unexplained phenomena, primarily centered around Loch Ness.

Sighting: Dr. and Mrs. Ayles

The lead article details a sighting by Dr. and Mrs. Ayles on March 6, 1987, near Foyers on the A82 road. While traveling south towards Inverfarigaig, Mrs. Ayles noticed an object. By the time Dr. Ayles stopped the car, the object had vanished, preventing any photographic or binocular observation. Dr. Ayles estimated the object's height at about '6 feet'. Steuart Campbell, in his analysis, suggests that this sighting, along with others like those reported by Richard Jenkyns (November 10, 1973) and Pauline and Peter Hodge (May 21, 1964), could be explained by an otter. Campbell posits that an otter, particularly with a 'long neck' effect caused by reflection and water conditions, might appear as a mysterious object. He suggests the object was likely less than 3 feet high, compatible with an otter, and its rapid disappearance is explained by it swimming underwater.

However, the author of the newsletter expresses skepticism about the reflection theory, noting that the water conditions during the Ayles' sighting were rough, not mirror-calm, and that Richard Jenkyns also reported waves during his sighting. The author also points out the discrepancy in size, as Steuart Campbell himself quotes European dog otters as being around 1.25m (about 4 feet) in body length, with tails making up a significant portion. For an otter to appear 3 feet tall while raising its body out of the water would require an extraordinary feat, possibly involving its tail for support.

The author agrees with Steuart Campbell's preference for the simplest explanation but questions if distorting or disregarding details to fit the otter explanation is truly the simplest approach, suggesting that other explanations might need to be considered.

Alastair Boyd's Correspondence and Erik Beckjord

Alastair Boyd contributes a section addressing an incident involving Erik Beckjord in 1983. Boyd recounts an interaction where he felt Beckjord behaved rudely. Boyd defends his actions, stating he was trying to be considerate by visiting Beckjord in the evening rather than waiting until the next morning, as Beckjord had an interview scheduled with the BBC. Boyd received three abusive letters from Beckjord over this incident, which took place nearly four years prior. Boyd refutes Beckjord's claim that time has mellowed him and criticizes Beckjord's assertion that he is 'very easy to alienate', suggesting that most people would react similarly to verbal abuse and accusations. Boyd also corrects a detail in a previous newsletter (NIS 80) regarding an article in the Illustrated London News, clarifying that photographs were taken by Jane Burton, not Maurice Burton.

Boyd also mentions that he and Sue spent Easter at Loch Ness, overlooking Urquhart Bay. While the weather was good, the loch was choppy. They observed typical bay activity but heard of a sighting in March near the Foyers area, which they presume was the Ayles' sighting.

Erik Beckjord is mentioned again regarding an 'Alternative Conference' scheduled for July 25th-26th, with no venue specified. Beckjord expressed disappointment that the author found many monster hunters difficult to relate to and was saddened by Henry Bauer's account of their dealings. Beckjord defended himself against Bauer's statements over two and a half pages, but the author chose not to report this to avoid advancing personal disputes.

Eels as a Potential Explanation for Sightings

Colin Mather, a fisherman and former member, contributes a section on eels, referencing Brian Crawford's book 'Fished for Big Eels'. Mather suggests that the large size of some eels could explain certain Loch Ness sightings. He notes that freshwater eels in New Zealand, Australia, and East African lakes can grow to enormous sizes, with reports of eels weighing over 20lb and 30lb, and some described as 'thick as a man's thigh'. The largest reported eel from Lake Wakatipu in 1882 weighed 130lb. The book also mentions a 22-foot long freshwater eel specimen at the Brisbane Museum. Mather speculates that eels in Loch Ness might grow to large sizes due to the loch's depth, cold temperature, and size, potentially making it an 'eel trap' where they complete their breeding cycle and remain.

He references a sighting by Hugh Gray off Foyers in November 1933 as a potential example of an eel sighting. Mather also mentions that Roy Mackal, in his book 'The Monsters of Loch Ness', considers eels as candidates for the monster. The author of the newsletter confirms that during an LNI expedition in 1970, they found a large population of eels in Loch Ness, though none of unusual size were caught. However, one unusual incident involved a snapped trace on a baited hook, suggesting considerable strength.

Val Smith shares an experience from about thirty years prior when he camped at Inverfarigaig. He reported seeing something huge turning over and sending up spray on the opposite side of the loch, which sank after a short while. He emphasizes the simplicity and sincerity of his statement. Smith also notes his experience in questioning witnesses and detecting sincerity.

Books and Magazines

This section reviews several publications and magazines:

• BBC Wildlife Magazine (January 1987): Two articles are highlighted. The first by Miles Clark concerns the exploration of the Aleutian Islands and the Steller's sea cow, as well as a strange seal-like animal sighting with erect ears and whiskers. The second article by Michael Bright reviews recent sea-serpent observations from British coasts and North America.
• 'Mystery Animals of Britain and Ireland' by Graham McEwan: This book is described as a comprehensive study of mysterious beasts in Britain, including the Loch Ness Monster, Morgawr, and Sea Serpents, featuring interviews, photographs, and bizarre 'one-off' reports. It adopts a 'paraphysical' approach.
• 'Sea Serpents, Sailors and Sceptics' by Graham McEwan: This book offers a look at the sea serpent enigma across the 19th and 20th centuries.
• 'Scottish Ambassador' magazine (Summer 1986 issue): This glossy magazine features articles by Tony Harmsworth on the history of the search for the Loch Ness Monster, aiming to provide background for newcomers.

Upcoming Events and Contact Information

Erik Beckjord's Alternative Conference is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th, from 7-11 pm at the University of Edinburgh. The newsletter also announces the author's upcoming holiday at Loch Ness from July 26th to August 7th, with contact details provided for R.R. Hepple.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent attempts to explain Loch Ness phenomena through natural causes, particularly the misidentification of otters and the potential role of unusually large eels. The newsletter also touches upon the challenges of personality clashes within the cryptozoological community and the importance of critically evaluating witness testimony. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various theories and reports while maintaining a degree of skepticism and encouraging readers to form their own opinions. The publication also serves as a platform for members to share correspondence and information, highlighting the ongoing efforts to document and understand unexplained events.