2026 Sees record summer of Nessie sightings

Loch Ness has enjoyed a summer packed with mystery, as 2026 becomes one of the busiest years for potential Nessie sightings this century.

Fifteen reports have already been accepted by the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register, more than double compared to the six sightings recorded throughout the whole of 2025.

With much of the year still remaining, 2026 is now the second busiest year for sightings in the 21st century and is on track to surpass the record of 18 reports logged in 2019.

This summer alone, visitors from across the UK, Europe and Australia have reported seeing unexplained shadows, dark shapes, possible heads and large creatures moving through the water.

The most recent report came from German visitor Felix Tiekemeier, who claimed to have spotted a black creature measuring approximately six metres long on 21 August. He said it remained near the surface for around 20 seconds before disappearing.

Other reports have included a dark mound filmed from Urquhart Castle, an eel-like creature near Fort Augustus and what a nine-year-old Australian visitor described as a head emerging from the loch.

While the mystery continues out on the loch, visitors to the attraction in Drumnadrochit have also been making their own feelings about the monster clear.

The Loch Ness Experience has been recording visitor theories with more than 675,000 votes cast since re-opening in 2023, with 47.2% backing Nessie and a further 29.5% believing there could be another explanation behind the legend. Just 23.3% dismissed the mystery as nonsense.

For the past year, guests tying coloured ribbons to the striking Nessie sculpture outside the experience, choosing between yellow for I see Nessie, blue for I see possibilities and orange for I see nonsense.

After 12 months and thousands of votes, 47% of visitors placed themselves firmly in Team Nessie, while a further 30% believe there could be something unexplained beneath the surface.

Just 23% dismissed the legend altogether, meaning more than three quarters of visitors remain believers or are open to the possibility that something may be hiding in the depths of Loch Ness.

The sculpture now features around 30,000 metres of ribbon, creating a colourful representation of the enduring debate surrounding the world’s most famous monster.

Nagina Ishaq, General Manager of the Loch Ness Experience, said: “It has been an incredible summer for the mystery of Loch Ness. Fourteen reports have already been added to the official register and each one brings a new story, image or unexplained moment for people to discuss.

“What makes the mystery so special is that everyone has their own view. Our ribbon installation has given thousands of visitors a simple way to share theirs and, while not everyone is convinced, it is clear that most people are not ready to rule Nessie out.

“Whether they arrive as lifelong believers or complete sceptics, visitors leave talking about what could be beneath the surface. With sightings continuing to be reported, that fascination feels as strong as ever.”

Created with Perth-based installation specialists DZD, the sculpture uses compostable yarn made from wood pulp. Visitors can continue adding their vote to the installation at the Loch Ness Experience.

Details of the 15 reports recorded so far this year can be viewed at