Loch Ness Experience honours the man who helped put Loch Ness on the world stage

The Loch Ness Experience has unveiled a new bust of Ronnie Bremner, the visionary founder who helped transform Loch Ness into one of Scotland’s most famous visitor destinations.
Created by award-winning Scottish Borders-based sculptor Frippy Jameson, the bust was unveiled by Ronnie’s close family on 30 June, marking 25 years since Ronnie’s death and celebrating his enduring contribution to Drumnadrochit, the Highlands and the worldwide fascination with Loch Ness.
Ronnie Bremner launched the original Loch Ness exhibition on 3 May 1980 alongside designer Tony Harmsworth, creating a visitor attraction that would go on to play a major role in bringing global attention to the area. Today, the attraction, now known as The Loch Ness Experience, remains in the ownership of the Bremner family, with Continuum Attractions operating the visitor experience since its takeover in 2023. The family also run Highland Experience Tours, keeping their lifelong connection to Loch Ness alive and strong more than four decades after Ronnie first opened its doors.
Speaking on the lasting legacy of Ronnie Bremner, Andrew Pawson, Chief Executive Officer of Continuum, said: “Since taking over the operation of The Loch Ness Experience in 2023, we have been incredibly conscious of the responsibility that comes with caring for such an important part of Scotland’s tourism story.
"Ronnie Bremner built something remarkable, a venue where Loch Ness's mystery, science, and history are shared globally. Continuing this legacy is a privilege, and this tribute honors the vision and passion that defined The Loch Ness Experience."
Ronnie’s vision also helped bring scientific credibility to the Loch Ness story. After meeting Adrian Shine in London, he brought the loch’s most notable researcher to the area, beginning a partnership that would shape decades of investigation through The Loch Ness Project. His funding, commitment and belief in serious exploration helped harness international research interest in Loch Ness, including support from Dr Robert Rines of the US-based Academy of Applied Science.
While Loch Ness has long been known for its most famous mystery, Ronnie’s influence extended far beyond folklore. He was a leading force in encouraging a scientific approach to the search of the loch and played a pivotal role in the delivery of Operation Deepscan in 1987, the most high-profile scientific search ever carried out on Loch Ness. Headquartered at what is now The Loch Ness Experience, the operation saw boats launched from Clansman Harbour, which remains owned and managed by the Bremner family today.
Working alongside Adrian Shine and The Loch Ness Project, Ronnie helped coordinate 326 accredited media from around the world.
The global impact of Operation Deepscan generated frontpage headlines around the world and represented a defining moment for Loch Ness, elevating it from a Scottish curiosity to one of the world’s most enduring mysteries. At the time, international interest in the story was so significant that it competed with coverage of major world events, such as the historic United States - Soviet superpower summit in Washington DC.
Ronnie’s family background was rooted in Highland hospitality. His parents were hoteliers, and by the mid-1970s Ronnie was managing the Drum Hotel in Drumnadrochit. From there, he became one of the driving forces behind the village’s transformation into an international visitor destination, recognising the potential of Loch Ness long before it reached the global profile it holds today. As interest in the loch grew, the village grew with it, with new bed and breakfasts, cafés and tourism businesses emerging to meet demand from visitors drawn to the area by the story Ronnie helped take to the world.
His influence was also felt across the wider tourism and business community. Ronnie served as President of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (Highlands) and was one of three founding members and acted as the second President of the Loch Ness Rotary Club. He was known for bringing together hundreds of business figures at events that championed tourism in the Highlands.
Nagina Ishaq, General Manager at The Loch Ness Experience, said: “Ronnie Bremner’s vision helped shape the modern story of Loch Ness. He understood that the loch was not only a place of mystery, but a place of research, storytelling, hospitality and international appeal.
“This bust is a fitting tribute to someone who gave so much to Drumnadrochit and the Highlands. Ronnie helped put Loch Ness in front of a global audience, and his legacy continues to be felt by everyone who visits, works in or tells the story of this remarkable place.”
Adrian Shine, of the Loch Ness Project, said: “Ronnie Bremner has left many legacies. For me, he broke the mould of the frivolous perception of Loch Ness by hosting its exploration and sharing its secrets in his pioneering exhibition that put Drumnadrochit on the map. He has been flattered by imitation and has emboldened others to use the cache that Loch Ness can conjure.”
David Bremner, son of Ronnie Bremner, added: “Being able to recognise my father properly for his outstanding achievements for the Highlands and Scotland is long overdue. Placing this tribute at the experience is a great way to ensure all visitors know how it all began back in 1980. We miss him greatly but are thrilled to honour his legacy this way.“
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Ronnie’s wife Libby, his three sons and all eight of his grandchildren. Guests also heard reflections on Ronnie’s life and legacy from Adrian Shine and Dr Michael Cantlay OBE.
Remembered by many as “the other Loch Ness legend”, Ronnie’s influence was felt far beyond the shores of the loch. The depth of affection and respect for him was clear at his funeral, where the 500 person capacity venue was exceeded, with hundreds more people waiting outside to pay their respects. Now immortalised at The Loch Ness Experience, Ronnie’s story, and the work he did for Loch Ness, will continue to live on.
The new bust stands as a permanent tribute within the visitor experience commemorating the man whose vision helped turn Loch Ness from a place of intrigue into one of the most recognisable destinations in the world.