Nessletter - No 107 - 1991

Magazine Overview

This issue of Nessletter, number 107, from November 1991 (with a March '92 cover date), published by HESS INFORMATION SERVICE, focuses on the 'Project Urquhart' initiative and various eyewitness accounts related to Loch Ness and other phenomena. The ISSN is 0264-7001, and the price is listed as U.K. £2.75 and North America $9.00.

Project Urquhart

The lead article discusses 'Project Urquhart' in response to a letter from Nica Mitchell. The author agrees that rivalrous attitudes between Project Urquhart and the Loch Ness Project would be tragic and detrimental. The initiative's purpose is to secure more resources for the study of the loch, fostering cooperation. Adrian, who was the first person approached, declined a role but is admired for his achievements with limited resources. The editor expresses a desire for a joint program of coordinated experiments and surveys to maximize human and financial input.

Sighting: Helen Cross

Member Helen Cross reports a hump sighting in 1990 on the 13th of October, a Saturday. While driving near Urquhart Bay, she stopped for tea and observed the loch surface. She saw a 'hump' appear close to the shore, which she described as having a silver sheen due to the sun. The object remained visible for about a minute without moving, giving the impression it was basking. It then sank without a ripple, leaving a shadow. Helen's photograph, taken later, allowed for an approximate calculation of the object's distance and size, estimating it to be about 5 feet from front to back. The article notes that the conditions were clear with calm water, making the sighting significant.

One explanation considered is a small, unrippled patch of dark water with ripples that merge with the surrounding water. However, Helen's experience and observations of the loch are noted. The question of identification is raised due to the distance, but the clarity of the conditions is emphasized. Helen, a student, hopes to spend more time at Loch Ness, possibly working with one of the projects.

Postscript to MacLennan Sighting Report

Two points are raised regarding the MacLennan sighting report. Firstly, a Daily Record reporter requested details, which were sourced from an English member who sent the account from Nessletter. The editor stressed that Mrs. MacLennan did not wish for publicity, yet the report appeared in the Daily Record and Daily Mirror. The editor questions whether members agree with passing on reports to newspapers.

Secondly, in response to a remark about accounts with large waves, Jim Green recalled a 'wake sighting' on 23/8/80. He described great turbulence and foam, likening it to machines going through the water, but agreed there was little 'rolling of waves towards the shore'.

TRAPPING: A Fabricated Story

The issue highlights a fabricated story from the Highland News (January 18th, 1992) and the Canadian Paper Weekly World News, claiming Nessie had been caught in a net baited with tuna fish. The article describes scientists from seven countries supposedly preparing for years and catching a 70-foot, 20-ton Nessie. The story details its struggle and settling on the loch floor, requiring air bags to bring it to the surface. The accompanying photographs are described as impressive but likely trick photography or models, as the entire story is a fabrication, typical of the newspaper's style for 'entertainment'.

UFOs in Egypt

On an adjacent page, an account of UFOs recharging from a remote power station in Egypt since 1987 is mentioned.

Books and Magazines

'The Fortean Times' (No 61) is noted as being packed with 'weirdness', including a video of humps taken by Hideaki Tomiyasu at Ikeda, Japan. This sighting is identified as the same one reported in NIS 102. The article discusses the possibility of it being a boat wake, but the better print in 'Fortean Times' suggests it was indeed a boat wake. Kenji Chono sent a postcard confirming a 1978 sighting by 20 people. He believes that reports of large, Nessie-like monsters are often small and newly-formed, and he will continue to investigate and report findings.

A new source for second-hand and out-of-print books is introduced: Cameron Books. They can be contacted for specific titles, with a charge of £2.50 plus postage for successful searches.

Henry Bauer's book, 'The Enigma of Loch Ness', is mentioned. The British edition (ISBN 0-7179-460-37, £4.99) is available in paperback. The publisher agreed to omit footnotes and the bibliography to make it more sellable, but these elements are reportedly still present. A memorial statement and photo of Tim Dinsdale are included, which pleased Bauer. The hardback edition is going out of print, with limited copies available for £15 each plus postage from Davidson Hall, VPI & SU, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0212, U.S.A.

Steuart Campbell's Response

Steuart Campbell responds to a mention of his book, 'The Loch Ness Monster (The Evidence)', in NIS103. He points out revisions made in the book, including corrections and additions to various pages and conclusions. He notes that he omitted a reference to 'New Atlantis' in 1985 to include a note about 'Operation Deepscan'. Campbell states that his book does not undermine the belief in Nessie but presents the contrary view, arguing that it is the 'best book yet Presented on the creatures of Loch Ness'. He emphasizes that while he commented on his book, he did not review it, and he understands the reluctance to review a book that challenges prevailing beliefs.

Rainbow Query

Steuart Campbell also addresses Henry Bauer's query about rainbows. He explains that if a rainbow appeared brighter when sunglasses were rotated, it was likely due to the light being polarized in the same direction as the sunglasses, reducing the intensity of light from other parts of the rainbow. He notes that brightness is relative. He further explains that Polaroid sunglasses can darken the sky, making the bow easier to see, and that rotating the glasses or any polarized filter can move the bright areas and areas where the bow is not seen.

NIS AT THE LOCHSIDE

Peter Davenport shares a note about his subscription, mentioning his wife Lesley and son's well-being and their planned return to Loch Ness in June. He describes the Old Pier bed and breakfast at Fort Augustus as a fantastic location with uninterrupted views, and the atmosphere as relaxed. Guests from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Germany have stayed there. The owner, Mr. McKenzie, attributes the lack of midges to the house's promontory location and the breeze.

Jayne Mitchell also writes, reporting good sunshine during her visit to the loch. She found the exhibition informative but geared towards curious tourists. She enjoyed the music and bought the tape. Notably, she was proposed to on the foreshore below the Clansman Hotel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include eyewitness accounts of unexplained phenomena, particularly concerning Loch Ness, the promotion of scientific investigation and cooperation (as exemplified by Project Urquhart), and the critical examination of media reports and publications. The editor maintains a stance of reporting information from members and sources, while also offering commentary and analysis, such as questioning the ethics of publicity and identifying fabricated stories. There is a clear interest in UFOs alongside lake monster reports, suggesting a broad scope for paranormal and unexplained phenomena research. The editorial also highlights the importance of books and magazines in disseminating information within the field.