POSSIBLE video footage of the Loch Ness monster has emerged from the largest surface area search of the Loch in 50 years.
Hundreds of volunteers and media participated in the event over the weekend, with numerous potential sightings and strange noises heard from the depths of Loch Ness.
Hunters for the monster nicknamed the “wild” weather on Saturday “Nessie’s revenge”, but it did not stop volunteers lining both sides of the 23-mile-long loch to surface watch, alongside hundreds who participated online via webcams.
As well as the four mysterious and previously unheard loud noises from the depths of the loch using a hydrophone system, possible video footage of the monster with mysterious “humps” filmed moving on the loch before disappearing has emerged.
One online volunteer also captured a giant shadow just under the surface, moving, dipping out of sight, then returning and swimming across again.
Christie McLeod, who travelled to take part from Toronto, Canada, said: “I’ve been hunting the monster for nine years, but this is my first official hunt.
"I’ve previously hired my own boat, so this is great as it’s organised by Loch Ness Exploration with support from the Loch Ness Centre. I’ve heard lots of stories from the locals, which all contradict each other.
“There are two types of people in the world, Nessie believers and non-believers, and I’m not interested in the latter. I have a spiritual connection to the Loch Ness monster and think there is a portal to another dimension in the loch.”
Paul Nixon, general manager of the Loch Ness Centre, said the “excitement this weekend has proven that the ongoing hunt for the Loch Ness Monster is still very much alive”.
He added that Nessie “continues to draw and attract a global audience, from America, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and more".
“We all want the same thing, to see and find out what the Loch Ness monster is. We’ve been delighted to welcome so many people into the Loch Ness Centre for visitor centre tours and Deepscan boat trips across the weekend.”
Alan McKenna, of Loch Ness Exploration thanked all the volunteers, those both in person and online.
He added: “We know the monster is elusive, so it is not surprising we don’t have a concrete sighting, but we’ve all had lots of fun and proven the mystery lives on. As for what happens next, watch this space…”
