The Quest: Loch Ness Short Story Competition – Runners-Up Announcement

As part of The Quest Weekend celebrations, The Loch Ness Centre invited local primary schools to take on a very special challenge: The Quest: Loch Ness Short Story Competition. We asked P4 classes (or multi-composite classes) to unleash their imaginations and create a collaborative story all about our mysterious loch and its most elusive resident—Nessie.

We were absolutely thrilled to receive five brilliant entries from local schools: Balnain, Dochgarroch, Farr, and two entries from Cannich Bridge Primary. Each story was full of creativity, colour, and care – and we were genuinely blown away by the thought and imagination poured into every one.

The competition was judged by local author Alison Skelton, who shared these lovely words:

“All the stories were so good that it really was very difficult to choose a winner. Although they were very different, common themes were shared—the importance of friendship and caring for others, and the desire to protect the environment and keep Nessie safe from harm.

I loved the idea of Nessie being protected by law—she is, by the way, thanks to a 1970s Act of Parliament that protects wildlife.

I was especially touched by the awareness shown around topics like poverty, with one story featuring ‘Old Man Stuart’ living in a tent on the lochside—aged 50 (I love it!).

These children are not only wonderful writers, but thoughtful, kind young people. They are a credit to their families, teachers and to themselves.”

We’re delighted to share the runners-up from Cannich Bridge Primary (P1–4).

Read their story & enjoy.

All participating classes will receive a certificate to celebrate their brilliant storytelling—and we truly hope to see them enter again next year.

Let’s keep the magic of Loch Ness alive through young imaginations and local voices.