Nessletter - No 151 - 2006

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE NESSLETTER, number 151, dated July 2006, focuses on the topic of 'ELEPHANTS' in relation to unexplained phenomena, particularly the Loch Ness Monster. It also includes personal travelogues and details of scientific expeditions.

The 'Elephant Theory' of Loch Ness Sightings

The lead article delves into a theory proposed by Neil Clark, curator of palaeontology at Glasgow University's Hunterian Museum. Clark suggests that many Loch Ness Monster sightings, particularly those from 1933, could be explained by elephants belonging to circuses visiting Inverness. He posits that when these elephants were allowed to swim in Loch Ness, only their trunks and humps would have been visible, leading to misidentification. Clark believes this may have been the origin of the 'Nessie' tradition, possibly initiated by circus owner Bertram Mills in 1933, who offered a £20,000 reward for its capture.

The author of the article critically examines Clark's theory, questioning whether he has visited the locations and considering alternative transport methods for circus animals in the 1930s, such as rail. The article also references the famous 'Surgeon's' photograph, taken by R.K. Wilson in 1934, which was later exposed as a hoax in 1994 by Dave Martin and Alastair Boyd. The author notes that Clark mentioned hoaxes but did not elaborate on this specific debunking.

The article then discusses a 1979 article in 'New Scientist' by Dr Dennis Power and Dr Donald Johnson, which explored vertebrate evolution and the possibility of a land-bridge to the Northern Channel Islands. Their research into swimming capabilities of elephants brought up reports of such behaviour off the coasts of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, and Kenya. A film from 1960 showing an elephant and calf swimming in Sri Lanka was noted to have an enlargement that bore a striking resemblance to the Wilson photograph. However, the article acknowledges that this theory does not account for all sightings, suggesting that if elephants were not involved, a falsehood may have been perpetrated, and the Wilson photograph might be from another location.

The author concludes that the 'elephant theory' is tenuous and that the debunking of the 'Surgeon's' photograph removes the need for such an explanation.

Personal Travelogues and Holiday Experiences

The issue includes several entries detailing personal trips and observations around Loch Ness and Scotland during the summer of 2005 and 2006.

Holidays '05: The author recounts a trip to Abriachan on Loch Ness, detailing interactions with locals like Neil Borland, Neil and Jenette, and noting the death of Angus Grant. The author describes boat trips, observations of the Loch Ness Ferry, and visits to Fort Augustus. The narrative includes meeting NIS members Linda and Jim Thompson, who were on a science fiction-themed tour of Scotland, visiting locations like Dunnottar Castle and Slains Castle.

Further Loch Ness Visits: The author describes further excursions around Loch Ness, including a boat trip on the 'Nessie Hunter', meeting Steve Feltham, and visiting Adrian Shine at Loch Ness 2000, who was working on analysis of the Dinsdale film. The author also mentions meeting Jared Christie and taking a trip to Balmoral.

Winter Experiences: Steve Feltham shares his experiences during a difficult winter, including personal upsets, severe storms that damaged the Dores Inn beer garden, and a period spent in Australia. He recounts an unusual experience of being recognized on an ABC radio phone-in due to his connection with Loch Ness.

Academy of Applied Science Expedition (September 2005)

The article details an expedition by the Academy of Applied Science (AAS) team, led by Bob Rines, at Temple Pier, Drumnadrochit. This was described as a 'dream team' and possibly Rines' last attempt at leading such an expedition at his age (83). The focus was on searching the loch bed for evidence of large living animals, with the hope that the situation was not as pessimistic as Bob feared regarding extinction. The team utilized advanced side-scan sonar equipment and a declassified Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) capable of producing near-photographic images from the depths. The ROV reportedly brought up some 'flesh-like' material, which was sent for analysis in a Scottish laboratory and then to the US. The article notes the involvement of three generations of the Rines family in the expedition.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation into anomalous phenomena, particularly the Loch Ness Monster, and the critical examination of proposed explanations. The author maintains a skeptical yet open-minded approach, questioning theories like the 'elephant theory' while still engaging with scientific research and personal accounts. There is a strong emphasis on personal experiences and travelogues related to Loch Ness, interspersed with reports on expeditions and historical cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent inquiry, seeking truth through evidence and critical analysis, while also valuing the community of researchers and enthusiasts associated with the Ness Information Service (NIS).