The Loch Ness monster, a mythical creature that apparently inhabits Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, has remained a mystery for several generations and centuries. The creature, widely called Nessie, was first allegedly seen in the 6th century, long before the Viking warriors voyaged towards Great Britain.
After turning into local folklore and almost forgotten in myths and legends, the potential existence of the unknown animal emerged again, when an unverified photo of a dinosaur-like creature appeared in the early 20th century. Since then, there has been no concrete evidence of its existence.
Now, a local tourism group in Scotland is spearheading a "surface watch" activity to search the purported ancient creature. Since the identity and appearance of the Loch Ness creature is still unknown, local monster hunters are expected a long-necked animal. Also, the Loch Ness monster hunt is also calling for volunteers.
Loch Ness Monster Hunt
The Loch Ness Centre just announced that it is recruiting volunteers to join its "biggest search" in more than 50 years of Scotland's mythical creature. Cooperating with a research team at Loch Ness Exploration, the tourism group is looking for potential enthusiasts of the Loch Ness Monster hunt taking place late this month, from August 26 to 27, ABC News reported.
The hunt is reportedly the largest of its kind since the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau studied the Loch Ness freshwater lake in 1972, the U.S. media outlet said. The centre also adds never-before-used surveying equipment on the lake will be utilized and potentially help unravel secrets the mysterious waters hold. In addition, thermal drones will also be used to retrieve a thermal image of the underwater environment.
Meanwhile, the volunteers will conduct surface watch, as mentioned earlier, which will include monitoring breaks in the water with emphasis on "inexplicable movements," according to the group's website.
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Loch Ness Local Folklore
In 1934, a photo of the Loch Ness monster called the "surgeon's photograph" took the world by storm, showing the existence of a large, marine animal with a long neck that seems to be prehistoric. However, the scientific community has debunked sightings of the mythical creature, asserting they were just mistaken objects.
The surgeon's photograph was proven to be a hoax. Yet, the interest and curiosity of some people on the existence of the legendary animal has never waned. Following the infamous 1934 photo, hundreds of sightings of the Scottish sea creature were reported.
In 2019, a photo from a holidaymaker emerged online, showing a giant creature swimming in Scotland, making it the most compelling evidence yet of the Loch Ness monster, 7 News Australia reported. Still, no proof has been established yet about Nessie's real-world existence.
Prior to the Loch Ness monster hunt later this month, hopes are renewed for enthusiasts of the mythical creature.
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