Over the past two years, The Quest has united participants from across the globe, all eager to explore the secrets of Loch Ness. The centre’s ongoing efforts to find Nessie have led to intriguing discoveries, from photographs of strange anomalies on the water’s surface to an ominous rhythmic pulse recorded using state-of-the-art hydrophone technology — believed by some to be the monster’s heartbeat.
Hoping to capture more compelling evidence, The Quest 2025 will kick off on Thursday, May 22, 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 6–8 pm, is the perfect way to start the weekend.
On Friday, May 23, the Centre will host Stories of the Loch, from 5–7 pm, where local folklore comes alive with Jenny Johnstone from the Stories of Scotland podcast, sharing lesser-known captivating tales of the Highlands. Enhancing the magic, Cheryl Heggie School of Dance will interpret these stories through expressive, traditional Highland dance.
On Saturday, May 24, the excitement continues with the Hydrophone Discovery Cruise, where adventurers can join an extended boat tour with the Deepscan Skipper and Alan McKenna from Loch Ness Exploration. Using cutting-edge hydrophone equipment, they will listen for strange underwater sounds in an attempt to uncover the mysteries hidden beneath Loch Ness.
There will also be a variety of free activities for all ages under a tent on the lawn next to the centre, including Nessie face painting, exciting competitions, storytelling, dance performances, test-driving Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) used in the search for Nessie, and the exciting challenge to Measure a Monster.
ROVs will be deployed throughout The Quest Weekend to boost efforts to capture the first underwater image of the legendary Loch Ness Monster. The ROV’s high-resolution camera will capture images and video at depths of up to 100m. These will be complemented by baited camera traps fitted with GoPro cameras and lights, placed strategically to capture any wildlife activity.
Saturday evening will feature a thrilling live debate from 6–8 pm, with special guests including Alan McKenna from Loch Ness Exploration, Deepscan Skipper Gordon Menzies, and Loch Ness researcher and writer Roland Watson. Presented by Andy McGrath from Weird Britain, the debate will explore whether it’s Nessie, nonsense, or something else hidden in the mysterious waters of Loch Ness.
For those eager to take part in the hunt, a huge surface watch will engage volunteers in scanning the waters for any potential Nessie sightings. You’ll will be briefed on what to look for and how to record their findings, making them vital to the ongoing quest to uncover the truth behind the Loch Ness Monster.
Monster hunters unable to attend in person can still join the search online through the Visit Inverness Loch Ness website. Several cameras have been installed around the loch, allowing people worldwide to spot the loch’s most famous resident and local wildlife year-round. Viewers can capture screenshots and zoom in to record potential sightings.
