Nessletter - No 106 - 1991

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NESSLETTER, number 106, from August 1991, published by NESS INFORMATION SERVICE, focuses on the activities and observations of Steve Feltham at Loch Ness. The ISSN is 0265-7001.

Steve Feltham's Loch Ness Activities

Steve Feltham reports on his stay at Loch Ness, beginning in early August. He mentions meeting up with Doug Macfarlane and going out on the loch aboard 'Topcat' with an echo sounder. They detected a large target, which Macfarlane suggested could be a large fish. Feltham also notes his success in getting locals to allow him to park his van on their land. He recounts an awkward encounter with Donald Skinner at the Loch Ness Visitor Centre, where he felt ushered away, possibly due to his appearance.

Feltham describes an experience that served as a 'sobering lesson' regarding misinterpretations of sightings. He was invited to tea by Adrian Shine at the Project's H.Q. by the Clansman Marina. During the evening, a couple from Holland shared a video of something they had seen near Urquhart Castle, describing a large body with a head and tail, and flippers. Feltham, after viewing the tape through his camera, realized it was likely a large area of disturbed water, not a creature. He emphasizes that while disappointing, it was a valuable lesson in how easily phenomena can be explained.

Feltham also mentions that the Tall Ships Race participants were stopping at Fort Augustus, and the large ships would have been a magnificent sight on the loch.

Holiday Accounts and Personal Matters

The newsletter includes personal accounts from the author, detailing their 'HOLIDAYS '91'. On Thursday, September 5th, they were back at Loch Ness with his wife Doris and sister-in-law Audrey. They experienced a breakdown of their old Bedford van near Stirling, which was resolved with the help of a local farmer and a tow truck. The issue was traced to a faulty wire from the condenser.

Upon returning to Abriachan, they visited Dorothy Fraser at Achnahannet. The author notes Dorothy's declining health and her passing at the age of 86 on August 24th. The funeral was on September 3rd. The author reflects on losing a dear friend and the end of an era, as the last link between Achnahannet and the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau is gone. The Fraser family's history in the area spans 400 years.

Regarding the loch itself, the author notes the normal water level and good weather, with only a few daytime showers and one heavy night of rain. They enjoyed calm weather for most of their stay, though the loch was rough for a few days. The shortness of days in September is mentioned as a drawback.

Sighting Account: Margaret Maclennan

Steve Feltham provides an account of a sighting by Margaret Maclennan, whom he describes as a convincing and reliable witness with extensive experience of the loch and its wildlife. Maclennan woke up on the night of June 27th and observed a strange creature moving steadily along the shore near the Dores Inn. She described it as having crocodile-like skin, moving against the water's movement, and propelled by flipper action. She noted the absence of wash, which she felt indicated a streamlined creature. While she acknowledged the possibility of misinterpretation, she found the experience exciting. She has since acquired a camera to document such events.

Feltham comments that the reference to flipper action might indicate preconceived notions, but he accepts the report. He regrets not being able to meet Maclennan in person but has received her written account. He also heard reports of a seal in the loch, possibly a small, young one.

Other Mentions

The newsletter mentions Alastair and Sue Boyd visiting the author in early August. It also notes that Doug Macfarlane had left Loch Ness, taking 'Topcat' south via the Caladonian Canal. Steve Feltham had set up a large wooden hut near the shore below the road at the Clansman Hotel, serving as accommodation and a workshop for the Loch Ness Project personnel. The hut was approximately 40ft by 15ft.

Feltham also observed a small group of five mergansers and a single bird on the water. He believes many thousands of water birds winter in the inner Beauly Firth. He also saw a group of ducks in Dores bay, which he could not identify.

Personal Emergency

On the second Sunday morning, Adrian informed the author that their daughter, Heather, was in intensive care due to a stomach upset and poisoning. By the time they were able to prepare to leave for home on Monday, she was out of danger and recovering well.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation and observation of phenomena at Loch Ness, the importance of critical analysis and avoiding misinterpretations, and the personal experiences of the correspondents. The editorial stance appears to be one of detailed reporting, encouraging eyewitness accounts, and maintaining a skeptical yet open-minded approach to unusual events. The newsletter also highlights the personal lives and challenges of its contributors.