After collaborating on the biggest search for Nessie in over fifty years this year, we have have announced that we will be the new sponsors of the Loch Ness Exploration (LNE) initiative, the world’s leading organisation for monitoring potential sightings of the Loch Ness Monster.
An independent, voluntary research group based in Scotland and headed up by Loch Ness researcher Alan Mckenna, Loch Ness Exploration has made the search for Nessie its life’s work. The group’s purpose is to observe, record and study the natural environment of Loch Ness and the organisation regularly gathers volunteers to conduct observations of the loch, in the hope of uncovering the mystery of its most famous elusive resident.
For the past two years the centre and LNE have come together to facilitate The Quest, which left no stone unturned in the search and encouraged aspiring monster-hunters from around the world to unite to find Nessie This year, using a hydrophone to listen for mysterious sounds echoing from the depths of the loch, Alan captured a unique noise to be analysed, a rhythmic pulsing that lasted about 10 seconds. Evelyn Murphy, age 11, also captured a potential sighting with an intriguing photo, showing a clear break in the water made by an unidentified object or creature.
Through the new sponsorship agreement, we’ll be throwing our weight behind the search for Nessie even further, providing LNE with crucial resources and helping the team to Nessie-hunters to amplify their message, information and potential sightings to a broader audience. As part of the partnership, Alan will be able to use the space at the centre as he conducts his research, as well as explore the depths of the world-famous loch with Deepscan Captain, Alistair Matheson, the Skipper for the Loch Ness Project.
We’ve also supported LNE with the purchase of a new hydrophone – a device capable of detecting sounds hundreds of feet below the surface, providing a sophisticated means of counteracting the difficulties presented by the loch’s poor visibility and enabling LNE to continue and develop its research.
Alan is pioneering a series of events taking place later this year, with guests invited to join Alan and Alistair onboard Deepscan to try their hand at using the new start of the art hydrophone to listen for any unusual sounds. Taking place on Saturday 28th September and Saturday 2nd November at 10am and 11am, the ‘Loch Ness with Alan Mackenna’ events will also give visitors access to the expert himself, who will be prepared to answer questions about the enigmatic ecosystem of Loch Ness, and its most famous inhabitant.
You’ll also be invited to attend two exclusive ‘Meet the Expert’ events, taking place on Saturday 7th December and Sunday 8th February 2025 between 11am and 1pm, which will give participants a unique insight into Alan’s research and his plans for upcoming projects to uncover the secrets of the loch.
Alan Mckenna of Loch Ness Exploration said:
“Over the last two years we have captured the world’s attention as participants from all over the world joined us for the biggest search for Nessie in fifty years. With unexplained noises heard, alongside possible sightings, the interest in Nessie has never been higher. We are delighted to have the support of The Loch Ness Centre so we can continue our research as we continue our journey to uncover the loch’s biggest mysteries.”
We re-opened to the public last year after an investment of £1.5 million from Continuum Attractions, which manages award-winning tourist attractions across the UK. The grand reopening unveiled an immersive experience with interactive elements set in the old Drumnadrochit Hotel, the birthplace of the Nessie legend, where the first sighting of the monster was reported some ninety years ago.
Nagina Ishaq, General Manager of The Loch Ness Centre, said:
“We’re thrilled to be joining forces with the Loch Ness Exploration team to take our search for Nessie to the next level. Alan and his team are dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of Scotland’s most famous loch, making them ideal partners in our quest to share this unique and legendary story with new and existing audiences”.
To find out more about the Loch Ness Exploration initiative, visit their Facebook group here.
