NESSLETTER

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NESSLETTER, published by the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE, is identified as number 122, with a cover date of April 1994, but also noting '(June '95)'. The ISSN is 0204-7001. The primary focus of this issue is the ongoing investigation into phenomena at Loch Ness, with a significant contribution from Steve Feltham.

Steve Feltham's Investigations

Steve Feltham details his recent correspondence and audio tape received from a correspondent, Steve, who finds it difficult to write letters but can communicate via audio. Feltham discusses two video pieces shown on TV in 1994. The first, by Norwegian tourists, reported a 'vee-wake' which locals suggested was a misinterpreted boat wake. The second was taken by James Brown and his father, who filmed an object they initially described as an 'island' near Glen Doe, overlooking Loch Ness. While they had a video camera and SLR camera with a 300mm lens, the resulting photographs were disappointing, and the object's size was uncertain, though Feltham hazarded a guess of 'a pair of swans'.

Feltham also recounts a significant sighting by Rita Goold, who was at the Clansman marina. While waiting for a submarine assisting the Loch Ness Project, she decided to film. Her attention was drawn to something moving near the Dores side of the loch, leaving a large wash. This incident occurred while she was filming, and she later shared the video with Steve.

Another account involves Gordon and Mary, campsite owners, who had two pieces of video tape. Steve viewed these on a large television and was impressed. He later learned that the first piece was clearly a jet-ski, and the second, while having a good verbal account from the witness, was also deemed a misinterpretation.

Feltham expresses his frustration with the lack of interest from media companies like Grampian TV and a national news company when he presented potentially significant video evidence. He feels that despite dedicating his life to identifying what is in the loch, he faces indifference from established media outlets.

Other Sightings and Investigations

Feltham mentions Jim Hogan's cruiser 'New Atlantis' detecting a large target on the echo sounder in mid-loch. He also recounts his own experience of sitting on the Dores shore, observing the loch under calm conditions.

The issue also touches upon the BBC's 'Really Wild Show' interviewing Adrian Shine and the filming of the Ted Dansen film 'Loch Ness'. The Dores Inn area was used as a film set, with a jetty constructed into the loch. The filmmakers later used Diabaig on Loch Torridon for shots requiring a Highland village setting, bringing seaweed and lobster pots to Dores to maintain continuity.

Tourism and Local Issues

Feltham discusses the ongoing problem of parking at Castle Urquhart, which is described as the most visited Scottish Castle league after Edinburgh Castle. The car park is now exclusively for castle visitors, and efforts to encourage 'secondary growth' around the castle grounds have blocked previous views from the road.

Thierry Regall's Efforts

Thierry Regall, a Frenchman investigating Loch Ness, is mentioned. He used a pendulum over a map of the loch and hired a tourist cruiser to investigate a 'strong power' in a hexagonal area between Urquhart Castle and Loch Dochfour. Despite using sonar equipment, he drew a blank. Regall is drafting a book about his experiences. The article notes that Regall's ideas, such as the possibility of multiple types of monsters or a giant worm, have been explored by others in the past, including Heuvelmans and the author of 'The Great Orm of Loch Ness'.

Editorial and Reader Contributions

The editor, R.R. Hepple, encourages readers to send in their news and views, mentioning his own intention to conduct a short stint of watching at Abriachan from July 16th to July 28th, '95.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing search for the Loch Ness Monster, the analysis of video and photographic evidence, and the challenges faced by researchers in gaining media attention. The editorial stance appears to be one of persistent investigation and a critical evaluation of evidence, while also acknowledging the historical context of such research. There is a clear emphasis on eyewitness accounts and the difficulties in corroborating them with tangible proof. The issue also highlights the impact of tourism on the Loch Ness area and the efforts to promote it, sometimes through fictional portrayals.