Ness Information Service

Magazine Overview

This issue of Ness Information Service, number 93, dated April 1989, focuses on the severe floods and storms that affected Scotland, particularly the Loch Ness area, in early 1989. It also touches upon environmental concerns, wildlife conservation, and potential sightings related to the Loch Ness Monster.

Floods and Storms

The winter of 1988-1989 was the warmest on record in Scotland, but this was followed by exceptionally heavy rainfall. January's temperatures were ten times the average, and February's were 2.3 degrees above normal. Rainfall was also significantly above average, with nearly half the annual rainfall falling in the first two months. This led to a major flood on February 6th-7th.

In Fort Augustus, about 100 people were evacuated from their homes when the River Cich rose five feet and burst its banks. The River Ness also broke its banks in Inverness, causing property damage. The prompt action of council staff, emergency services, and the military, along with the use of approximately 70,000 sandbags, prevented worse damage and loss of life.

The most dramatic event was the collapse of the 126-year-old Ness railway viaduct. The central span collapsed suddenly, followed by two more spans later that evening. This severed the rail link to northern Scotland. Scotrail established a bus link and later ferried new trains and carriages to Inverdon to maintain services. Plans for a new viaduct were approved, with operation expected by May 1990. The Black Bridge (Waterloo Bridge) upstream was temporarily closed and later reopened after inspection revealed damage.

Inverness Harbour also suffered damage from debris. Dredging is underway to clear the harbour, and thousands of tons of stone have been dumped into the riverbed to stabilize it.

On February 13th, high winds struck the Highlands, causing damage to houses, cars, and caravans, and leading to widespread electricity failures affecting up to 50,000 consumers, with some remaining without power for days. North Skye and the Western Isles were particularly affected. Fallen trees blocked roads and railway lines.

The Forestry Commission closed most of the Farigaig Forest's trails due to fears for public safety, estimating that about 4,000 tonnes of fallen timber would need clearing. The wind devastated almost 90 percent of the forest network, particularly affecting mature conifers planted over 60 years ago.

At Cromarty, the Cromarty Salmon Company sustained over one million pounds in damage when fish cages were blown ashore, resulting in the loss of 38,000 fish. The Inverness Harbour Trustees also faced costs of over one million pounds for repairs and lost revenue.

Pestilence and Conservation

The issue reports on a mystery virus that caused an outbreak of disease killing thousands of seals in the North Sea, with about a dozen dead seals washing up on the Moray Firth beaches. Ministry vets identified two serious infections, one of which was canine distemper-like, and the other an infectious bacterium (bordetella bronchiseptica) potentially explaining the severity of lung and respiratory tract damage.

Inverness's sewage disposal into the Moray Firth is causing contamination and deterioration of water quality. A plan for a long out-fall pipe has faced public outcry. The article argues for a full-scale sewage treatment works.

Greenpeace is campaigning to protect UK dolphins and porpoises, highlighting the Moray Firth and Cardigan Bay as crucial areas for semi-resident populations of bottle-nosed dolphins. The Moray Firth is also important for water birds, including mergansers, scoters, and long-tailed ducks, and harbour porpoises.

There is a concern that if Loch Ness animals migrate to the sea, a polluted firth could endanger them. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has purchased land on Loch Ruthven as a reserve for the rare Slavonian grebe.

Ospreys have been seen fishing near Loch Ness, and last year ospreys nested in the area. The Forestry Commission has developed 'floating islands' to provide nesting sites for endangered black-throated divers, with the RSPB adopting the design.

Sightings?

A Sunday Post newspaper report on June 4th described tourists on the boat 'Caledonian Queen' seeing a 'blue blob' on new sonar equipment, interpreted as a forty-foot object 300 feet below the boat. The article notes the complexity of sonar interpretation.

Betty Gallagher reports an incident on May 19th where witnesses saw a double wake and a 'pole sticking out of the water' moving at about 10 knots and changing direction. Fishermen had seen nothing pass. Aidrian Shine of the Loch Ness Project suggested it might have been a water bird.

In May 1988, Andreas Trottmann observed a 'strange occurrence' near Urquhart Bay: a longish hump, pointed at both ends, dark-grey with a white patch, with no visual movement. He described it as an upturned boat.

Loch Ness Project and Research

The Loch Ness Project is planning a passive sonar experiment using a transducer placed on the underwater slope. Concerns have been raised by some members about the slow response and lack of information regarding a package offered by the Loch Ness & Morar Project.

Several individuals and groups are planning visits to the loch for observation and research, including Doug Macfarlane with his catamaran, Alastair and Sue Boyd, Doris and R.R. Hepple, and Mike Johnson from the USA. Erik Beckjord of the National Cryptozoological Society is also planning a return visit.

Erik Beckjord is seeking a copy of 'The Monsters of Achanult' by R.L. Cassie.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers local events, particularly those related to Loch Ness, environmental issues affecting the region, and wildlife conservation. There is a clear interest in unexplained phenomena, including potential sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, with a cautious but open approach to reporting such events and ongoing research efforts. The editorial stance appears to be one of informing the public about local happenings and environmental concerns, while also catering to the enduring mystery of Loch Ness.