The Loch Ness Monster: a fishy history

Today marks the anniversary of one of the most famous ever pictures of Nessie being published for the first time. The Surgeon’s Photograph is now considered (by many) to be a hoax, but lack of evidence for the monster certainly isn’t proof that it doesn’t exist.

What is the Loch Ness Monster

The Loch Ness Monster, also known as Nessie, is a cryptid (basically, a creature that might exist in theory, but not definitely) said to inhabit Loch Ness, a deep lake in the Scottish Highlands. It is often described as large, long-necked, and with one or more humps protruding from the water. Popular interest and belief in the creature has varied since it was brought to worldwide attention in 1933. Evidence of its existence is anecdotal, with a number of disputed photographs and sonar readings.

The legend of the Loch Ness Monster dates back to at least the 6th century, when it was mentioned in the Life of Saint Columba, a biography of a 6th-century Irish missionary. In the story, Columba is said to have come across a group of Picts who were preparing to sacrifice a young boy to a water beast. Columba intervened and ordered the beast to leave, and the beast is said to have obeyed.

Loch Ness Monster sightings

There have been many reported sightings of the Loch Ness Monster over the years, but the most famous photograph of the creature was taken in 1934. The photograph, which is known as the “Surgeon’s Photograph,” shows a long-necked creature with a humped back swimming in the loch. However, the photograph has been widely disputed, and it is now generally believed to be a hoax.

In recent years, there have been a number of scientific expeditions to Loch Ness, but none have been able to provide definitive proof of the existence of the monster. In 2017, a team of scientists from the University of St. Andrews used sonar to scan the loch, but they were unable to find any evidence of a large, unknown creature.

Loch Ness Monster tourism

Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the belief in the Loch Ness Monster persists. The creature has become a popular tourist attraction, and there are a number of businesses in the area that cater to Nessie hunters. The Loch Ness Monster is also a popular subject of books, movies, and television shows.

Whether or not the Loch Ness Monster is real is a matter of debate, but there is no doubt that the creature has captured the imagination of people all over the world.