Nessletter - No 139 - 2001

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE NESSLETTER, number 139, dated April 2001, focuses on developments at Fort Augustus Abbey and ongoing activities related to Loch Ness.

Abbey at Fort Augustus New Owner

The lead story announces that the 260-year-old Abbey at Fort Augustus has been acquired by Terry Nutkins. Nutkins, a recognizable figure from television shows like 'Animal Magic' and 'The Really Wild Show,' also runs The Lovat Arms in Fort Augustus as a family business. His background includes an early start working at London Zoo and a significant period spent with Gavin Maxwell at Sandaig, where he was educated at home and lived for 18 years. He later became a co-presenter on Johnny Morris's 'Animal Magic' program and inherited Morris's home.

Nutkins expresses concern about the decline in tourism and its impact on the younger generation. His vision is to revitalize Fort Augustus and the North by breathing new life into the Abbey, which he considers one of the best buildings in the Highlands, situated in an unparalleled location on Loch Ness. He aims to restore the Abbey to its former glory through the 'Abbey Millennium project,' in which he is the major shareholder and has invested significantly his own funds. Plans include opening the ground floor as a visitor centre, re-purchasing original furnishings, and developing the rest of the building for a restaurant, conference facilities, and TV studios. There is also a possibility of an exhibition related to the 'Monster.' The grounds are slated for development with a maze, a tropical world for exotic plants, and a tea room in the old cricket pavilion.

Nutkins acknowledges the substantial capital required and hopes to attract investors, potentially even Disney. He emphasizes that he will retain control and that investors must align with his vision. The initial stages are expected to create employment for up to forty people, with a projected employment of 200 within five years. The author expresses a long-standing advocacy for the Abbey as a worthwhile destination and was concerned about its closure. Nutkins states his connection to the area, viewing himself as a local, and asserts that the Abbey belongs to Fort Augustus and the Highlands, not just himself. He also intends to consult with Historic Scotland regarding his plans.

Sad News: Death of Fr Gregory Brusey

The issue notes the passing of Fr Gregory Brusey on March 30th, 2001. Born in London on December 30th, 1912, he was educated at Fort Augustus Abbey School, where he showed early musical talent. He entered the noviciate at Fort Augustus in 1931, professed as a monk in 1932, and studied music at the University of Edinburgh. After graduating in 1938, he spent a year in Budapest studying theology and organ. He was ordained a priest in August 1941 at Fort Augustus. During the war, he taught music at the Abbey School and later became Master of Music at Carlekemp Priory School. He returned to Fort Augustus Abbey, teaching generations of pupils until the school closed in 1993. Fr Gregory gained international recognition in 1971 for recounting a sighting of a Loch Ness animal with a friend. He was associated with the Loch Ness Monster but was a reluctant witness, preferring to keep the mystery alive. He once stated, "We ought to leave the Monster alone. In this technological age we've placed a label on everything. I am a champion of the unknown. Mystery intrigues people, and so it should remain." In 1999, upon the Abbey's closure, he moved to Ampleforth Abbey near York, where he died peacefully. The author remembers him as a delightful person.

CODE: Loch Ness Expedition Concerns

Concerns have been raised following Jan Sundberg's announcement in January 2001 that the GUST team planned to return to Loch Ness with the intention of netting an animal. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), responsible for protecting the loch, has developed outline plans for a code of practice for future expeditions. Jonathan Stacey, Inverness West area officer for SNH, stated that the suitability of the proposed trap and its potential to harm other life forms need assessment. SNH aims to ensure that if such a creature exists, it will not be harmed. They maintain informal links with various local groups and hope future research teams will adhere to guidelines. The article notes that in the 1980s, teams working with Adrian Shine identified North American shrimp and flatworms in the loch, suggesting they were introduced by visiting American teams in the 1960s and 70s. The author emphasizes the increased awareness of environmental balance and supports SNH's initiative, though implementation and enforcement of the code remain potential challenges.

ANDREAS: Loch Ness Monster-Official Protection

An inquiry regarding existing laws to protect unidentified creatures in Loch Ness led Andreas Trottmann to a report from the Inverness Courier (March 19th, 1976). The report details a parliamentary question by Russell Johnson, Liberal MP for Inverness, seeking information on government powers to protect such creatures if discovered. It was understood that a police protection role dating from the 1930s existed. However, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, Mr Harry Ewing, indicated that these powers were not as specific as previously imagined. While subsequent legislation provided some protection, the prospect of a £100 fine was deemed unlikely to deter anyone if a monster were discovered. Ewing's letter explained that a reference in the 'Inverness Courier' to an order made in the 1930s by the Secretary of State placing the Monster under police protection was based on a letter issued by the Scottish Office to the Chief Constable of Inverness County Constabulary, suggesting police warn residents and visitors to prevent attacks on the animal if sighted. There was no statutory power at that time to make a formal protection order.

SUNDBERG: Another Trap Plan

Reports from February indicated another plan to trap Nessie. Neil Rackley, an unemployed factory worker from Luton, intended to visit the loch in August with a net weighing one tonne, valued at £100,000, designed to enclose an area of 18,000 sq ft, placed 50 meters offshore. The trap would be baited with 1,000 brown trout to lure Nessie, which would then be filmed and photographed before release. Rackley claims his motivation is satisfaction, not fame or money. He believes Nessie is elusive due to the large, remote water body. The author questions the background research, noting Loch Ness is not remote and is heavily observed. The feasibility of Rackley's project, given his unemployment, is also questioned. The article mentions fish-filled nets used by fish farms in the loch, which have not been disturbed by Nessie. The author expresses skepticism about Rackley's plan and its media coverage.

NIS AT THE LOCHSIDE: Visitor Reports

Several visitors shared their experiences at Loch Ness:

• Helen Gray and boyfriend: Visited in November 1998, staying in Dores. They found the view from their accommodation excellent for watching. They later went whale watching in Alaska and found their equipment inadequate for capturing close-up shots of large marine life.
• Helen Gray: Returned for a spell before Christmas 1999, looking forward to a break from hectic London life. She anticipated visiting a new exhibition.
• John and Davina Cooper: Spent a few days at the loch in early March 1999, staying in Dores and Fort Augustus. They looked for Steve Feltham but found his van empty. They found the weather wet, cool, and uninviting. A subsequent trip to Scotland in June 1999 was aborted due to their Volvo breaking down.
• John Holmes: A sculptor and illustrator from St Austell, Cornwall, visited for a week in early July 1999. They stayed in a cottage near Inverfarigaig Forest and had views of the loch but were too far to spot anything. He filmed a Roe Deer and had a brief glimpse of an Osprey. He also saw large concentric ripples and a small hump, but collected bones from the shore for identification. He also reported a sighting near Portscatho, Cornwall, of what he initially thought was a Basking Shark or Killer Whale, but later identified as a Great Northern Diver based on video footage.
• Graham Hazelwood: Visited for four days in early October 1999, staying in Drumnadrochit, Invermoriston, and Fort Augustus. After a windy first day, he enjoyed three days of overcast, calm weather. He watched from various locations, including Inverfarigaig and Invermoriston, using binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens. His only sightings were of boat wakes and ducks.
• Steve Feltham: Mentioned by multiple visitors as someone to look for, he is a dedicated Loch Ness Monster hunter.
• Graham Hazelwood: Visited the revamped Loch Ness 2000 exhibition and found the presentation improved but was disappointed with how eyewitness reports were treated, feeling the exhibition subtly dismissed them.
• Stanley Jade: Visited for a weekend in May 2000. He had been to the area as a child but this was his first solo holiday. He found the place beautiful and moving. He stayed near the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition and saw Adrian Shine with a TV crew and a floating Nessie. He also explored the forest and saw deer and red squirrels.
• Andreas Trottmann: Visited from November 11th to 17th, 2000, staying at Ian Ross B&B. He focused his watching on the Fort Augustus area. He met Doug and Margaret Macfarlane and their son Alan. He also spoke to Ian Cameron about his sighting and had a planned meeting with Dick Raynor postponed. Andreas visited the Loch Ness 2000 exhibition and found the multi-media effects intriguing. He noted Adrian Shine's narration strongly reflects his opinion on the creature's existence.
• Andreas Trottmann: Also reported interest in 'Big Cats' in the area, hearing of pug marks found near Fort Augustus that were washed away by the river. He also heard of a Big Cat sighting on the Whitebridge to Fort Augustus road in December 2000.
• David Hastings: An eighteen-year-old NIS member, made his first trip to the loch by train in May. He experienced delays reaching Edinburgh and Inverness. Upon arrival, he visited the River Ness. His first view of the loch was on a bus trip to Castle Urquhart, which he described as overwhelming. He found the Loch Ness Centre informative and the Loch Ness 2000 exhibition very good. He stayed in a recommended B&B in Drumnadrochit. He walked to Fort Augustus, finding it a long but rewarding journey with beautiful views. He also found bones on the shore. On his last day, he took a boat trip with George Edwards and visited the castle again.
• Jared Christie: Made a short visit over New Year 1999, finding a deer skin at Foyers. He planned to return in April 2001.
• Val Smith and son Jonathan, and Andreas Trottmann: Planned visits in June/July 2001.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently highlights the ongoing interest in the Loch Ness Monster, with numerous visitor reports detailing sightings, near-misses, and observations of the loch. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of conservation and the environment, as seen in the discussions surrounding the GUST team's proposed trapping expedition and the development of a code of practice by Scottish Natural Heritage. The potential for tourism and local economic development, exemplified by the acquisition and planned revitalization of Fort Augustus Abbey, is another recurring theme. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism regarding new developments and a commitment to preserving the mystery and natural beauty of Loch Ness, while also advocating for responsible research and environmental protection. The newsletter also serves as a platform for sharing personal experiences and research findings from its readership.