A few years ago, E&M author Janina Kehrer visited Loch Ness for the first time. This famous loch, known for having the largest water volume in Scotland, is steeped in legends and myths. Captivated by the allure and beauty of this place, she has returned to uncover any updates on the whereabouts of the legendary but elusive Loch Ness Monster. And who better to ask than Steve Feltham, the world-renowned Nessie Hunter?

The misty water surface of Loch Ness glimmers as light waves dance upon it. Towering mountain ranges of the Scottish Highlands frame the shoreline, painting a breathtaking backdrop. It’s here, in the small village of Dores, just south of Inverness, that Steve Feltham has made his home, parking his converted library van by the loch’s edge. In September 2022, we reported on Steve’s extraordinary journey: in 1991, he gave up his home and job to dedicate his life entirely to the search for Nessie.

Steve’s fascination with the Loch Ness Monster began during a childhood holiday at the age of seven when he visited the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau. The excitement and dedication of the Nessie hunters he met stayed with him, and in his first year as a full-time Nessie seeker, Steve himself spotted something remarkable: a large, fast-moving creature breaking through the waves. Though he has yet to see Nessie again, Steve’s love for Loch Ness and his adventurous lifestyle have never waned. As he says, not once has he regretted his choice.

The Legacy of Nessie

Steve’s passion is shared by thousands of Nessie fans worldwide, all hoping to catch the next glimpse of the elusive creature. But what fuels this fascination? The story of Nessie dates back centuries. The earliest mention of a creature in Loch Ness appeared in writings from 565 AD, but it wasn’t until 1933 that the modern-day hype began. That year, hotel manager Aldie Mackay reported seeing a massive, whale-sized beast in the water. Shortly after, her account was published in the Inverness Courier, sparking a flurry of interest and alleged sightings. To date, there have been over 1,100 documented reports.

With the sightings, however, came hoaxes. The most famous image of Nessie, taken in 1934 by a respected surgeon, showed a creature with a long neck and small head gliding through the water. For decades, the photo fueled speculation that Nessie might be a surviving plesiosaur. But 60 years later, the image was exposed as a hoax—a toy submarine masquerading as the Loch Ness Monster. Despite this revelation, debates continue. Some believe the debunking itself was a cover-up, leaving room for ongoing speculation.

The Search for Truth

In 1961, the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau was founded to explore the mystery scientifically. Though it collected and analyzed numerous sightings over the years, the bureau concluded in 1977 that it could neither prove nor disprove Nessie’s existence. Other large-scale investigations followed, including a 2003 BBC-funded expedition using 600 sonar beams, but no evidence of a creature was found.

Recent scientific studies have added to the skepticism. Research suggests that Loch Ness lacks the food supply needed to support such a large animal, and DNA analyses of water samples have found no traces of unknown or prehistoric species. However, a significant amount of eel DNA has been detected, leading to speculation that unusually large eels might explain some sightings.

Yet the legend persists. New sightings, photographs, and radar images continue to emerge. Just days ago, a webcam near the lake captured a large, dark object moving through the water. Could it be Nessie? The mystery remains unsolved.

The Magic of Loch Ness

If Nessie does exist, there’s certainly enough space to hide. With a length of 37 kilometers, a width of up to 1.5 kilometers, and depths reaching 230 meters, Loch Ness holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Its vast underwater caves and craters provide the perfect hiding spots for an elusive creature.

Over the years, the myth of Nessie has become as much about imagination as evidence. Despite being called a “monster,” the creature is depicted in Inverness gift shops as a friendly, mischievous figure. This playful image is echoed in the small Nessie figurines Steve crafts and sells outside his home on Dores Beach. When asked if there have been any new developments, Steve mentions recent sonar contacts that have raised eyebrows. It’s not definitive proof, but it keeps the dream alive.

Steve’s choice to live by Loch Ness is enviable. The view of the loch, surrounded by majestic mountains, is stunning. With the current peak in solar activity, the Northern Lights have been visible over the area, adding another layer of magic to this already mystical place. So what is it about Loch Ness that captivates people like Steve? Perhaps it’s the idea that, where science ends, imagination begins. As philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein once said, “What is conceivable is also possible.”

What Do You Believe?

To explore the legend further, visit the Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit. This museum offers a comprehensive tour of Nessie’s history, presenting key sightings and the scientific facts surrounding the myth. Located in the very hotel where Aldie Mackay first reported her sighting, it’s a fitting place to dive into the debate. At the end of the tour, visitors are invited to vote:

  • I see Nessie
  • I see possibilities
  • I see nonsense

What would you choose? While I lean toward science, I can’t deny that each time I return to Loch Ness, my eyes scan the water, hoping for a glimpse of the unknown. Steve, undoubtedly, would vote for Nessie. His passion for the mystery and the joy it brings remains unshaken.

So, what about you? Do you see nonsense, possibilities, or Nessie? Share your thoughts in the comments.

If you’d like to learn more about Steve and his work, visit his website:
www.nessiehunter.co.uk

Pictures by Janina Kehrer

  • retro

    Janina Kehrer studied psychology at the university of Tübingen and is working currently in refugee aid as well as in child and youth welfare. Born and raised in Southern Germany, she still enjoys the beauty of the landscape and the calmness of the woods down there. But also born with a somehow nordic heart and a preference for black tea and rough coasts, she got addicted travelling especially to the northern countries of Europe.

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