NESS INFORMATION SERVICE NESSLETTER

Magazine Overview

Title: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE NESSLETTER
Issue: 152
Date: FEBRUARY 2007
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
ISSN: 0204-7001

This issue of the Nessletter focuses on recent travels, unusual sightings, and various points of interest related to Loch Ness and its surroundings.

Val Smith's Winter Visit

Val Smith, a long-standing NIS member, and his son Jonathan, visited Loch Ness in late December 2005 and early January 2006. Their journey involved encountering fog and freezing conditions on the A9. They visited various locations including Dores, Beauly, Muir of Ord, Corrieyairack Pass, Abriachan, and Drumnadrochit. During their stay, they experienced snow, a tyre puncture due to striking an object on the road, and a missing alloy nut. They attended a Hogmanay party in Drumnadrochit. Later, they visited Culachy House, a dry-stone bridge, Foyers, and Boleskin, expressing concern about land development near Boleskin. They also investigated a large, round indentation at the Cill Chumein burial ground. Val noted the calm winter atmosphere of the loch, with rising vapour and occasional sunshine, and received a postcard from Val dated November 18th, 2006, describing the autumnal and snowy landscape.

Sightings

Dores Inn Sighting

During a fishing trip near the Dores Inn in the second week of August 2006, Tony Mulgrew, Gordon MacDonald, and Gordon's son Ryan reported seeing an object rise from the water for about five or six seconds. Gordon described it as 'massive' and creating a significant wash, similar to a boat travelling at high speed. Ryan thought it resembled a U-boat emerging from the water. The witnesses were skeptical of Loch Ness Monster stories but found this sighting unbelievable.

Highland News Reports

The issue references two reports from the Highland News. The first, dated August 19th, 2006, headlined 'Achtung Nessie!', described a sighting by witnesses near the Dores Inn. The article was accompanied by a mocked-up photograph of a submarine with a Nessie head. The author expresses skepticism, suggesting the sighting might have been a boat, possibly the Loch Ness ferry or a smaller, fast-moving craft.

The second report, from October 26th, 2006, details a sighting by Nick Thurston and Emma Jones aboard the Jacobite Queen on October 6th. They reported seeing a 'hump, much like a bridge, dark brown in colour' near Urquhart Castle. About a week later, Nick Thurston reported seeing what he described as a dark rounded tree stump protruding from the water near Urquhart Castle, followed by a second humped portion, which then submerged. The author again questions the reliability of the reports due to a lack of detailed information and suggests these could be misinterpretations of common phenomena.

Other Sightings

Ulrich Magin's Bilk newsletter is mentioned, including a report from an Inverness lady in late January 2006 who saw a 'black cone-like' creature circling like a whirlpool for four minutes near Altsigh. The author notes the lack of detail makes explanation difficult.

Other Features

Abbey Development

The author recounts finding a rural property magazine featuring Fort Augustus Abbey. The article describes the transformation of the historic building into the 'Highland Club', offering luxury apartments and cottages for sale as second homes. The development includes modern amenities and is set on extensive grounds by Loch Ness. Prices start at £160,000.

Personal Submarines

Dutch designers have developed personal miniature submarines called C-Questers. These can dive to 50 metres, operate underwater for up to two and a half hours, and cost £65,000. Prospective owners require an underwater pilot's license.

Micro-light Aircraft

Previous Nessletters mentioned a micro-light fitted with experimental floats. Two television programmes featured similar rigid vee-hull inflatables with micro-lights. One was used for spotting sharks in the Caribbean, and another by conservationists to help baby turtles reach the sea. The author describes the aircraft as capable of landing on choppy water.

Personal Reflections and Updates

The author reflects on the time taken to complete the Nessletter, attributing it to a relaxed lifestyle and domestic responsibilities. He mentions observing local wildlife, including Mergansers and a Heron. The author's wife, Doris, was hospitalized with a chest infection, which further delayed the writing process.

Subscriptions and Contact

Subscriptions are UK£3.00 and USA $10.00. The contact address is R.R.Hepple, 7 Huntshieldford, St John's Chapel, Weardale, Co Durham, DL13 1RQ.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are personal travel experiences, particularly around Loch Ness, and the reporting of unusual sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism towards sensational claims, favoring rational explanations such as misinterpretations of boats or natural phenomena, while still valuing the reporting of such events. The publication also touches upon lifestyle topics like rural property and personal technology.