Ness Information Service Nessletter

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Ness Information Service Nessletter, No 99, dated April 1990 but with content from August 1990, details personal holiday experiences and observations related to Loch Ness and other locations in the United Kingdom. The publication includes reports on potential sightings, research efforts, and general commentary on the environment and local activities. The ISSN is 0264-7001 and the price is £2.75.

Holiday Report: July 1990

The author recounts a family holiday to Loch Ness in July 1990, noting the absence of their daughter Heather for the first time in sixteen years. The journey involved travel via Loch Lomond and a scenic route to Oban and Fort William, with initial encounters with midges near Arrochar. The weather during the fortnight was exceptionally good, warm, sunny, and dry, with calm periods. A pattern of early morning calm followed by wind from the Moray Firth and a subsequent calming in the evening was observed. Misty mornings were common but cleared as the sun rose.

The author visited Dorothy Fraser at Achnahannet, who is 83 years old. They also met Doug Macfarlane in Drumnadrochit, who discussed his boat and equipment, mentioning an experience with the 'Loch Ness Camera Syndrome' where a film was spoiled by double exposure. Doug also had issues with his echo sounder, which was traced to a faulty 12-volt battery.

During the holiday, the author explored the area around Loch Ness, including Fort Augustus and the complex topography influenced by the mountains and glens. The wind and water/wave patterns at Loch Ness are described as more complicated than generally thought, with the channelling effect of mountains being overemphasized.

Research and Sightings

The issue details several research-related activities and potential sightings:

Erik Beckjord's Tests

Erik Beckjord and Charlene Delacruz visited Loch Ness, and Erik conducted tests to compare video footage with the Chaffin sighting. He used a boat to tow various objects, including a decoy duck, spheres, a football, a beach ball, and later a 40-gallon drum, across the bay. The author suggested using a submerged object like an oil drum to better replicate a potential submerged creature's wake. The tests with the drum produced a significant wash, much greater than what the Chaffins reportedly saw.

Loch Ness Project

The Loch Ness Project had a quiet season, focusing on refurbishing their new workboat. Adrian Shine, a consultant for the Official Loch Ness Exhibition, was involved in limited sonar experiments. The author expresses concern that Adrian's connection with the exhibition, which is publicizing a 'Monster-hunting Weekend' with a £250,000 reward, could jeopardize his carefully cultivated scientific standing.

Other Sightings

A report from April 2nd, 1990, mentions two men in the Strone area seeing a small black hump that grew larger, with strange light green stuff on top, described as 'like a killer whale'. The mention of a 'flipper' suggests the witnesses had expectations of what they might see.

Loch Morar Sighting

A cutting from the Sunday Mail reports on a sighting by Alistair and Duncan MacKellaig in Loch Morar. They described seeing three humps behind their boat that then overtook them, moving in line. The humps were described as dark, almost semi-circular, with small spaces between them, and were said to be the length of a double-decker bus. The author notes this could be the boat's own wake, but acknowledges the witnesses are boat owners and likely conversant with wakes.

Editorial and Contact Information

The newsletter concludes with a call for readers to submit their news and views. The editor's address is provided as R. R. Hepple, 7 Huntshieldford, St Johns Chapel, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL13 1RQ. Subscription information for North America ($9.00) and the UK (£2.75) is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are personal holiday experiences at Loch Ness, the ongoing efforts and challenges in researching the Loch Ness Monster, and the reporting of various potential sightings and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious observation and a desire to maintain a scientific approach to cryptozoology, while acknowledging the need for publicity and income generation for research projects. There is a clear emphasis on personal accounts and the reporting of anecdotal evidence, alongside descriptions of research methodologies and their limitations.