Last chance to sign up! Less than a week until huge Nessie hunt gets underway

In less than a week The Quest Weekend is returning with its biggest search of Loch Ness as it continues its goal of uncovering the loch’s mysteries. Taking place Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th May, we’re are making a final call for budding monster hunters to be involved in the search, both in person and online.

With a festival of interactive events taking place, from stories to exploration, dance to debate, there is something for everyone to enjoy and join in The Quest, now in its third year, to help find the elusive monster of Loch Ness.

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Perhaps getting ready to make her appearance at The Quest weekend, Nessie has been spotted twice recently. On March 2 an observer, initially using binoculars, described a dark grey shape lurking beneath the surface water blowing bubbles then briefly surfacing before quickly submerging seconds later. And  another witness saw what appeared to be a large, dark mass beneath the calm, still waters of the loch. Both sightings left experts and enthusiasts intrigued by the possibility of finally finding the legendary creature.

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The Quest 2025 will kick off the festival of events on Thursday 22th May with a Pre-Quest Gathering at the Loch Ness Inn.  This will give monster hunters the chance to meet, share theories, and discuss their experiences. This informal gathering from 6–8pm is a perfect way to start the weekend.

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The following day, Friday 23rd May, the Centre will host Stories of the Loch from 5–7pm, where local folklore will come to life with Jenny Johnstone from The Scottish Folklore podcast, who will share lesser known, captivating tales of the Highlands. Adding to the magic, Cheryl Heggie School of Dance will bring these stories to life through expressive, traditional Highland dance.

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On Saturday 24th May the excitement continues with the Hydrophone Discovery Cruise, which will give  adventurers the opportunity to embark on an extended boat tour with the Deepscan Skipper and Alan McKenna from Loch Ness Exploration. Using state-of-the-art hydrophone equipment, they will listen for strange underwater sounds in an attempt to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the surface of Loch Ness.

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There will also be a variety of free activities for all ages under a tent on the lawn at The Loch Ness Centre, including Nessie face painting, exciting competitions, storytelling, dance performances, test driving Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) used in the search for Nessie, and the challenge to Measure a Monster.

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ROVs, operated by Little Loch Broom Marine Life, will be used throughout The Quest Weekend to further bolster the centre’s efforts to capture the first underwater image of the famous beast. The ROV’s high-resolution camera will capture both images and video at depths of up to 100m. These will be accompanied by baited camera traps fitted with GoPro cameras and lights, placed in strategic locations to capture any signs of wildlife they attract.

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Saturday evening will feature a thrilling Live Debate from 6–8pm, with special guests including Alan Mckenna from Loch Ness Exploration, Loch Ness skipper Gordon Menzies alongside Loch Ness researcher and writer Roland Watson. This year we’ll be discussing whether it is Nessie, myths or other possibilities in the mysterious Loch.

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For those looking to get out and look for the monster, a huge surface watch will take place on Saturday 24th May involving volunteers scanning the waters for any potential sightings of Nessie. Participants will be briefed on what to look out for and how to record their findings, making them an integral part of the ongoing quest to uncover the truth behind the mysterious creature.

Monster hunters unable to attend the search can still get involved in the hunt for the truth, through the Visit Inverness Loch Ness website. Several cameras have been set up across the loch for people around the globe to watch out for the loch’s most famous inhabitant, as well as other local wildlife, 365 days a year. When viewing the live cameras, watchers can capture a screenshot directly as well as zoom in to get a better look and record their findings.

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Nagina Ishaq, General Manager of The Loch Ness Centre, commented:

“We can’t wait to welcome Nessie hunters and Loch Ness enthusiasts from around the globe. This year we’ve already had a number of possible sightings, so we’re excited to see what we discover this year, with what will be our biggest hunt yet.  This year at The Quest there will also be more events, more experts, and even more opportunities for people to experience the magic of Loch Ness. Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning to continue the search, young or old, we welcome everyone to our most exciting hunt yet!”

Over the last two years, The Quest brought together participants from across the world, all eager to explore the secrets of Loch Ness. The centre’s continued efforts to find Nessie has recorded some intriguing discoveries, from photographs of strange anomalies on the surface of the water to an ominous rhythmic pulse recorded on a state-of-the-art hydrophone that some believe could be the monster’s heartbeat.

To get involved in The Quest and join us on our search for answers, visit www.lochness.com/jointhequest

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