Nessletter - No 103 - 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: NESSLETTER
Issue: 103
Date: February 1991 (with a note indicating August 1991)
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
ISSN: 0264-7001

This issue of Nessletter, a publication from the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE, delves into various unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on the Loch Ness Monster, but also touching upon UFOs and reports of large cats. The content is primarily composed of correspondence from members, sharing their experiences, research, and observations.

NIS at the Lochside

The issue opens with a report from Henry Bauer, detailing his enjoyable two-week stay in May 1991 at Strone, near Loch Ness. He mentions meeting Andreas and Angela Trottmann, and Mrs. Cary, who shared information about sightings. Henry also notes that he visited an exhibition, which he found to be less impressive for the general public than for aficionados, criticizing its assumed prior knowledge and missed opportunities in the shop. He also recounts an incident where his wife Barbara saw a rainbow and experimented with a polarizing filter to enhance its brightness, posing a question to optics experts.

Further reports from the Loch Ness area include sightings by Bill and Edna Davidson, who observed a strange neck-like formation, and French picnickers who reported seeing a hump. Henry also mentions Wendy and DawnDawn Dinsdale, who are continuing the work of organizing Tim's files. A personal note about Henry's unexpected open-heart surgery and subsequent recovery is included.

Andreas Trottmann provides an update on his and his wife's trip to Loch Ness in May. Despite poor weather conditions, they conducted sonar searches with their boat, the 'Witch of the Mist', and detected two interesting contacts of larger objects. Andreas considered hiring a night observation device but found the rental rates exorbitant. They also met Doug Macfarlane.

Doug Macfarlane also contributes, updating on his activities. Due to bad weather and other commitments, his boat 'Topcat' remained at Dochgarroch for the winter. He has been working on the boat and managed a few outings on the loch, including a sounding experiment with Andreas and Angela. He details his sonar and camera watch hours for the current year and compares them to the previous season, noting only one significant target on his charts from last year.

Other Sightings and Research

The newsletter then shifts focus to other areas of interest. Doug Macfarlane's sounder work in the Clyde is mentioned, where he encountered seals and basking sharks. He also sent a pamphlet on 'The Scottish Sea Serpent' compiled by Andreas, detailing historical sightings of large sea serpents, with the most recent in 1962 at Helensburgh, and earlier reports from Giruan and Gouroch.

Personal Updates and Visitors

Alastair Boyd writes about his situation, having been made redundant after 19 years at a fluorspar mine. This initially threatened his holidays at Loch Ness, but plans are now in place for a visit in September. He mentions the imminent arrival of his fourth grandchild.

Steve Feltham, described as a recent recruit to NIS, is planning a visit to Loch Ness. He has sold his house and bought an old mobile library, which he intends to use as his base. He has made arrangements to call on the author and others on his way north. Steve is looking for Nessie using a good video camera, a medium the author expresses reservations about, though Steve has taken advice on professional formats.

Books, Magazines, etc.

The issue includes a section reviewing various publications and media:

• 'Monstrum! A Wizards Tale' by Tony Doc Shiels is reviewed. It discusses various phenomena including the Loch Ness Monster, UFOs, and other Fortean topics. The author notes that the book is not strictly for 'Loch Ness Purists' but is suitable for Fortean enthusiasts.
• 'The Loch Ness Monster (The Evidence)' by Steuart Campbell is mentioned as a revised edition. The reviewer notes that Campbell, like others, seems to select reports that fit his argument, but the book is still considered valuable if this is kept in mind.
• 'Strange Magazine' is highlighted as continuing its varied content, with articles on the 'Mono Grande', a 1920 photograph, crop circles, and cryptozoology news. It is published twice a year.
• 'Fortean Times' has secured a deal with John Brown Publishing Ltd. for its future. The editors, Bob Rickard and Paul Sieveking, have been working to ensure its continuity. The new combination is described as excellent.
• A documentary-type film titled 'The Loch Ness Monster: Fact, Fiction, or Fantasy?' produced by Ardersier-based North Scene Video is recommended. It features eyewitness accounts and archive film. It is available from Adrian Shine's Loch Ness Project and Ross Records.
• A video titled 'To See... Is To Believe, Operation Deepscan' is reviewed, having been produced by Lowrance Video Productions. It is described as a valuable addition to an aquatic cryptozoologists' video library and is available in the US.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation into the Loch Ness Monster, with members sharing their research, sonar findings, and personal observations. The newsletter also broadens its scope to include other unexplained phenomena such as Big Cats and UFOs, reflecting a Fortean interest. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging members to share their findings and experiences, while also critically reviewing media and publications related to these subjects. There is a clear emphasis on personal accounts and the sharing of information within the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE community.