What if this large body of water located in the Scottish Highlands was home to a huge prehistoric aquatic creature. For decades, the legend of the Loch Ness monster, known as Nessie, has never ceased to fuel fantasies. This is why a team of volunteers from the center of Loch Ness, associated with independent experts from “Loch Ness exploration” (LNE) are preparing to carry out the largest search operation since the 1970s, reports the agency Associated Press.
With the firm intention of finally unraveling this mystery which fascinates and attracts many visitors each year to the north of Scotland. On August 26 and 27, this 56.4 square km Highland lake will therefore be scrutinized with a host of technological tools. In particular, drones equipped with infrared cameras will be used to provide underwater images from the air.
A lake excavated in an unprecedented way
But also a hydrophone, responsible for detecting the acoustic signals of the water and therefore any sound that may come from the animal. As for the volunteers, they will have to inspect all suspicious water movements and will receive advice on how to record the result of the searches. Thus, the lake will be searched in an unprecedented way, assure the organizers, quoted by AP.
The legend of the Loch Ness monster dates back to the 6th century when a monk collected the frightened testimonies of villagers convinced that one of theirs was about to be devoured by an aquatic monster resembling a plesiosaur. According to legend, the clergyman would then have summoned the monster to spare the bather who was a little too adventurous. And Nessie would have complied… until reappearing centuries later on a photograph by Robert Kenneth Wilson which will ultimately prove to be a montage.
“Personally contribute to this fascinating mystery”
It was, in fact, a submarine on which had been added the head of a sea monster. A scheme flushed out after many years. But the legend nevertheless remains tenacious, despite the results of research carried out by a team of scientists in 2019. Based on DNA surveys, experts concluded that no giant species could haunt Loch Ness.
Insufficient, however, to begin the determination of the LNE team. “By joining this large-scale surface surveillance, you will have a real opportunity to personally contribute to this fascinating mystery that has captivated so many people around the world,” Alan McKenna, one of the researchers, told AP. According to him, it will above all be a question of “inspiring a new generation of Loch Ness enthusiasts” if not finally crossing paths with the mysterious owner of the place.