Nessletter - No 101 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: Ness Information Service Nessletter
Issue: 101
Date: August 1990 (with a note indicating March 1991)
Publisher: Ness Information Service
ISSN: 0264-7001

This issue of the Nessletter focuses on the ongoing investigations and public interest surrounding the Loch Ness Monster, particularly highlighting an upcoming major hunt and various personal accounts and research efforts.

Major Loch Ness Monster Hunt

The cover story details a significant event planned for the first weekend of October 1990 in Drumnadrochit: a major hunt for the Loch Ness Monster. This event was the first of its kind since the 1987 Operation Deepscan. William Hill, a bookmaking firm, offered a substantial prize of £250,000 for anyone who could produce proof of the monster's existence during the weekend. Iain Bishop, deputy keeper of zoology from the Natural History Museum, was present to verify any claims. Four teams participated, led by notable figures: Screaming Lord Sutch (known for his political campaigns and unique publicity stunts, intending to use 'loony stew' and a special whistle), Andy Gray (leading a team from Oceanscan, an Aberdeen-based firm specializing in underwater surveying equipment), Alan Hanratty (heading the ROVers team, using a submersible and video recorders), and Daniel Isted.

David Isted, a company magazine editor, planned to use a crystal and divining methods, claiming a long history of success in various fields. The article recounts an anecdote about his wife, Winifred (Freddie) Cary, who used a pendant to locate her husband Basil when he was out at sea, demonstrating the potential of such methods. David Isted intended to use a tourmaline pendant and sail quietly to avoid frightening the monster.

Andy Gray's team from Oceanscan brought the craft 'Ecos' to the loch, equipped with advanced sonar and video equipment. Gray stated that while the event would demonstrate their equipment's efficiency, it was unlikely to lead to oil exploration contracts off Aberdeen. Alan Hanratty's ROVers team, previously successful in locating dangerous chemicals in the English Channel, brought a submersible named 'The Dart'.

The weather for the hunt was wet and overcast, typical for Loch Ness in October. Iain Bishop was not expected to be overwhelmed by evidence. The teams were based at Temple Pier, Urquhart Bay.

Previous Expeditions and Prize Changes

The limited period of the October hunt was noted as not being conducive to producing definitive results, though the organizers maximized publicity. The initial £250,000 prize was withdrawn after the weekend but replaced with a £25,000 prize valid for three years, requiring verification by the Natural History Museum. Hills also adjusted betting odds on finding the monster from 500-1 to 100-1, though it was suggested this might only cover 12 months.

NIS at the Lochside: Personal Accounts and Research

The newsletter includes several letters and reports from individuals involved with or interested in Loch Ness:

• Paul Thomas visited Lake Bala in August 1990 to inquire about new developments. He found that locals were reluctant to discuss sightings, which he found interesting as it suggested a desire to protect their tourist trade by not inventing stories.
• Brian Herring reported on his return to the Loch Ness & Morar Project after a five-year break, finding the ecology fascinating. He praised the updated official exhibition but suggested retaining the original large relief model of the loch.
• The Oceanographic Institute set up base at Achnahannet in early September for a month to research wave patterns. Their work was affected by equinoctal gales around September 17th. Herring recommended a visit to the Crofting Museum in Abriachan village, run by Katherine Stewart.
• Steve Feltham, a new member of NIS, shared his long-standing interest in Loch Ness, which began at the LNI headquarters. He described his recent organized three-week watch in August 1990 using a new VW van, which allowed him to move easily around the loch. He used a video camera, telescope, and powerful binoculars. While he did not see anything himself, he met many sincere people who believed they had seen something unexplained. He also met Doug Macfarlane and Adrian Shine.

'Pop-Up' Syndrome and Video Evidence

The issue discusses the 'pop-up' syndrome, where sightings are reported after observation periods have ended. This was noted with the old LNI and potentially with the Chaffin video and the Boyds' footage. The article suggests that experienced observers can distinguish normal wave patterns from potential monster activity.

• The Chaffin video and the Boyds' video are mentioned as examples. Alastair Boyd responded to Erik Becjord, defending the relevance of Judy Chaffin's observations. He recounted an experiment by Richard Frere involving mass misinterpretation of a rough loch by tourists.
• Regarding the Chaffin film, the author acknowledges not seeing the original but having studied the BBC broadcast. An experienced bird-watcher identified the filmed object as a bird. The author also notes that the decoy duck used in experiments bore a resemblance to the object in the Chaffin film.
• Erik Beckjord's attempt to validate the Chaffin film by comparing it to his own 1983 video is criticized for making a similar mistake of misinterpreting water birds. Beckjord's description of a 'dog's head' is compared to Gorden Williamson's description.

Other Contributions and Research Plans

• Andreas Trottmann planned to be at Loch Ness from May 6th to May 23rd, operating a two-berth boat named 'Witch of the Mist' (formerly 'Charlotte May' and 'Witch of the West') for research into wave patterns. He offered to rent the boat to interested members.
• Henry Bauer and Barbara were scheduled to be at Ross's Chalet at Strone from May 4th to May 18th, 1991.
• Jayne Mitchell expressed doubt about the 'Fordyce land theory', believing a large creature would struggle on land. She planned to visit Loch Ness from August 31st to September 14th, staying at Ancarraig Lodges, equipped with binoculars and a Pentax camera.
• Bob Rines was reportedly planning another attempt at Loch Ness in the summer, according to Peter Byrne.

Editorial and Subscription Information

The issue concludes with a note from the editor, Alastair Boyd, thanking readers for their contributions and encouraging further submissions. He addresses Erik Beckjord's criticism of the Nessletter, defending its role in documenting Loch Ness investigations impartially over 17 years and providing a forum for all opinions. The subscription details are provided: £2.75 for the UK and $9.00 for North America.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing search for the Loch Ness Monster, the methods and challenges of investigation (including technological and anecdotal approaches), the interpretation of evidence, and the importance of impartial reporting and open discussion within the cryptozoological community. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging participation, providing a platform for diverse viewpoints, and maintaining a critical yet open-minded approach to the Loch Ness phenomenon. The publication emphasizes the historical context of investigations and the continuous efforts to find definitive proof.