Nessletter - No 120 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: NESSLETTER
Issue: 120
Volume: 22nd
Date: December '93 (Jan '95)
Publisher: HESS INFORMATION SERVICE
ISSN: 0204-7001

This issue of the Nessletter, number 120, reflects on the publication's history and its ongoing mission. The editor, who admits to being seven issues behind, discusses the challenges of maintaining a consistent publication schedule and expresses a desire to ensure members receive at least six issues per subscription. The newsletter was established in 1974 with the aim of providing information about Loch Ness and related phenomena without commercial intent.

RIP'S PIECE: Reflections on the Nessletter's Journey

The editor begins by acknowledging the 22nd year of Nessletters and the current issue being number 127, indicating a backlog. The primary reason for this delay is attributed to the editor's personal circumstances and the desire to ensure that each subscription receives its due number of issues. The editor reflects on the original intention of the Nessletter in 1974: to be a source of information about Loch Ness and related mysteries, not to be confused with other organizations, and to foster a community of like-minded individuals interested in the subject. Over the years, the editor has connected with many members through letters and messages, noting how long-standing members are now caring for elderly parents or raising young families. The editor expresses a personal difficulty with writing but is motivated by the goodwill of the members.

Personal Experiences and Sightings

The author recounts an enjoyable, albeit short, visit to London on June 18th/19th, 1994, to participate in the Fortean Times UnConvention '94. The presentation given by the author was well-received by a large audience, with lectures happening simultaneously in two halls. The author also mentions the upcoming UnConvention '95 on April 22nd/23rd, 1995.

A holiday visit to Loch Ness is described, which was delayed due to the author experiencing vertigo, an infection of the inner ear affecting balance. Despite this, the visit was a welcome return to the loch. During the holiday, the author visited the Abbey Heritage Centre in Fort Augustus, which was originally a fort built by General Wade and later converted into a monastery. The center offers a tour of the original fort corridors, a replica catacomb chapel, and 19th-century Abbey cloisters.

Several potential sightings and observations are detailed:

• Seal Sightings: The author describes seeing a seal's head briefly surface and submerge near the pier, noting that its behavior was unusual and it didn't seem to display typical seal habits. Later, another member, Tony Sharret, reported seeing a seal at close quarters near the 'Wall' opposite Achnahanett, which was not lingering on the surface. The author also observed a seal near the pier, which was a relief after a previous sighting that was initially unsettling.
• Graham Hall's Sighting: The author discusses a report from Graham Hall, who, on June 17th, 1993, at 20:15 hrs, observed a 'something moving' near the black buoy in Dores Bay. It was described as having a slender neck with a head on top, estimated to be six or seven feet tall. This sighting occurred around the same time as Edna MacInnes's sighting, and the author suggests it might be explainable by a seal or a fisherman standing in a boat, though it appeared unexplainable to Hall.

Research and Investigations

The newsletter touches upon various research efforts related to Loch Ness:

• Loch Ness Project: The author visited the Loch Ness Project H.Q. by the Clansman and spoke with Adrian Shine. They were continuing their coring work and other research. Adrian mentioned that fine bubbles of gas from sediments could be mistaken for fish signals, leading to inaccurate population estimates. There was also a mention of a lack of connection between the Loch Ness Project and Project Urquhart.
• Submarine Operations: A submarine was assisting the Loch Ness Project with their work, including taking short cores from underwater slopes. The author had the opportunity to see the submarine and have its workings explained by one of the pilots, Alan Whitfield. A notable anecdote is about a little trout that adopted the submarine, feeding on it and making dives with it.
• David Adler's Plans: The newsletter mentions a proposed trip to Loch Ness by Thierry Regall and his friend David Adler. Adler is described as being skilled in pendulum use and has indicated apparitions in the loch. They intend to spend time near the lake and do scuba diving.

Other Mentions and Correspondence

The issue includes a mention of Steve Feltham, a monster hunter, and his ongoing efforts. The author also notes a dislike for the 'Wetherall character' for allegedly causing damage to the Loch Ness mystery narrative. Correspondence from an American member, Richard Smith, is mentioned, who doubts some of the conclusions drawn from investigations and lists fifteen questions and observations.

The author also shares personal observations from Inverness, noting its cleanliness and the success in the Britain in Bloom competition. A visit to the new Bught Nurseries Floral Hall is described, along with a brief dolphin sighting in the Moray Firth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the personal connection to Loch Ness, the ongoing nature of investigations into its mysteries, and the importance of community among enthusiasts. The editorial stance remains one of providing information and fostering discussion, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining the publication while valuing the contributions and interest of its members. There is a clear emphasis on personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, alongside reports on scientific research efforts.