Nessletter - No 130 - 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: NESSLETTER
Issue: 130
Date: August '95 (June '97)
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
ISSN: 0204-7001

This issue of Nessletter focuses on developments and ongoing investigations related to Loch Ness and its mysteries, including the famous monster, Nessie, and historical sites like Castle Urquhart.

Castle Urquhart Development Proposals

The lead article discusses the proposed £2.5 million development at Castle Urquhart, Scotland. In late September 1996, the Highland Council's planning committee refused Historic Scotland's fresh proposals for the site. The new plans included 120 car parking spaces, 12 caravan spaces, bike space, a visitor centre, a 75-seat tearoom, a display area, and an 'interpretation area'. The proposed construction period was two to three quarters of a year. A spokesman for Historic Scotland declined to comment on the specifics of any amendments, stating it would be inappropriate to discuss them before the council had a chance to review them. The article notes that the only obvious differences in the outline were the mention of sandstone cladding and a tearoom instead of a restaurant. The author questions the necessity of such a development, suggesting that existing facilities in Drumnadrochit are sufficient and that the proposed development might take trade from the local area. A Park & Ride scheme from Drumnadrochit during the peak season is suggested as a more sensible resolution.

The article also includes an anecdote from a young Australian couple who visited Castle Urquhart, not for its historical significance, but because it was on Loch Ness. They expressed disappointment with the 'transportables' (Porta Kabins) on site. The author also mentions that a more recent report suggested more local residents might favour such developments than previously thought, but questions this.

X-PEDITION: Testing Nessie Theories

Another item from the Inverness Courier reports on a proposed unusual expedition inspired by the publicity generated by the discovery of what could be Nessie's lair (Edwards Deep, NIS 129). This event, organized by the London-based Enigma Research Society, will take place at the Invermoriston Camping and Caravan site from July 26th, 1997. It is suggested that up to 300 people could attend the week-long event, which will feature a series of lectures open to the public. Attendees are expected to include Pete Glastonbury (Hypnotist, 'Crop Circles' expert), Martin Carroll (UFO and alien specialist), Alan Bowers (paranormal researcher), and Richard Askew (Enigma Research Society head of investigations).

Richard Askew, a new NIS member, shared his personal fascination with Loch Ness, which dates back to a childhood holiday. He stated his intention to write a book about Loch Ness, focusing on a detailed study rather than just concentrating on Nessie. He believes the monster might be an unidentified type of fish or mammal. He also mentioned that while some paranormal researchers are not liked by conventional outlooks, they are prepared to work with anyone. Richard Carter, also involved, expressed a pragmatic view, stating, 'I say each to their own as long as there is some sanity to what they are doing.' He admitted to being skeptical about vampire theories and planned to stay at the other end of the campsite.

The article notes that while many theories exist, proof is needed, and the more outlandish ones do not aid serious investigation. It highlights that media outlets often seek sensational headlines, which can sometimes detract from serious scientific work.

Expedition: Bob Rines' Return to Loch Ness

This section details the return of researcher Bob Rines to Loch Ness. The author notes that questions about why Rines and the Academy of Applied Sciences return to the loch are frequently asked. Rines arrived on June 7th, 1997, accompanied by Charlie Whchoff and others, for a three-week stay. They brought sonar equipment and were planning to repeat some of their sonar experiments from the 1970s. They were staying at the Drumnadrochit Hotel and working from Gordon Menzies' boat, 'Morag Chruidhe'. Rines stated he wanted to check some results he got 25 years ago.

The author reflects on the 25th anniversary of the Academy getting the 'Flipper Pictuers' and believes Bob Rines has made brief visits in the intervening years. The author feels that the 'Monster Hunting' attitude has become more prominent, with emphasis shifting to 'Giant Eels, Long Necked Pinnepeds or Jurassic Reptiles' rather than midge larvae or nematode worms. The article concludes by mentioning that Bob Rines has been back, 'dipping his toe in the loch again'.

John Cooper's Sonar Research

John Cooper responded to a piece about the finding of a small but deep basin in Loch Ness (NIS 129), referring to it as 'Edwards Deep'. He recounted his own experience in 1975, when he visited Loch Ness and met Frank Searle. Cooper, with a background in electronics, designed and built a sonar system. In 1977, he and Searle conducted field tests in Foyers Bay, obtaining a strong echo from the loch bed. They then took systematic depth data, running a long survey along the centre of the loch from Foyers Bay to beyond Castle Urquhart. They discovered a significantly deeper place, which they termed 'Cooper Deep'.

Cooper sent a copy of his map, noting that the 'Edwards Deep' mentioned in NIS 128 might be the same location. He also marked two concentric circles, approximately 400 yards out from the middle of Castle Bay, which he noted as being 200 feet across, with sides sloping at 45 degrees, going to 810 feet deep. This location is further out than the 200m contour on the map, where the sloping bottom of Urquhart Bay meets the loch floor.

Cooper's findings are presented alongside the 'Pisces Deep' (1969), 'Cooper Deep' (1977), and 'Edwards Deep' (1990), raising the question of whether they are all the same place or recurring features. He suggests that if slumping and siltation of the bottom are responsible, they could be the same. He notes that while GPS systems can provide exact locations for 'Edwards Deep', pinpointing the other two might be more difficult.

Dicky Raynor's Observations

Dicky Raynor, a relief skipper on the 'Nessie-Hunter' trip boat, has been using Furuno sonar and an OPS system to get depth readings of 250m. He noted that readings over 232m only last for 10 seconds before returning to the usual 232m. He has been sent a copy of John Cooper's map for comparison. Raynor also mentioned taking a Swiss journalist on a trip to Loch Ness because of the Bob Rines expedition. He noted that Lake Morat in Switzerland is very deep (500m) and has catfish, unlike other nearby lakes. He suggests that catfish should be considered as a possible candidate for Nessie reports.

Bruce Photograph Analysis

This section discusses a Nessie photograph taken by Jennifer Bruce in 1982. The photograph, reproduced in various publications, shows a view of Castle Urquhart across the bay. The author describes a 'sinuous' silhouette of a 'head and neck image'. While initially thinking it might be a water bird, the author also considers the possibility of it being a seagull swooping over the surface, especially given the context of moored boats nearby. The analysis concludes that the more the author looks at the picture, the more a seagull seems to provide an answer.

Contact Information

The newsletter concludes with contact details for R.R. Hepple, including his address and subscription rates for the UK and USA. He also mentions he is in the process of transferring his caravan fittings to a newer van and provides details of his Ford Transit van.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing debate and development proposals surrounding Castle Urquhart, the continued scientific and pseudo-scientific investigations into the Loch Ness Monster (Nessie), and the exploration of potential explanations for sightings, ranging from misidentification to more exotic theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, presenting different viewpoints and research findings while also expressing skepticism towards sensationalism and highlighting the need for evidence-based conclusions. The newsletter encourages open-mindedness towards various theories but also emphasizes the importance of serious investigation and the potential for misidentification.