As we slowly move into autumn, we’ve been reflecting on the highlights from this year’s spring and summer at The Loch Ness Centre, where wildlife, exploration, and scientific breakthroughs came together to create unforgettable experiences.
One of the standout moments from our Wildlife Watch this year was the incredible sighting of a Pine Marten in a garden near the loch. It’s not too late to share your own wildlife encounters—simply fill out the form to submit your sightings.
In May, we hosted our annual festival, The Quest, filled with four days of adventure and discovery. Highlights included the Deepscan Cruises with Alan McKenna, where participants listened for Nessie, our Surface Watch with Loch Ness Exploration, and the lively debate on Nessie’s existence. There were some exciting moments, too—unexplained noises from the hydrophone and a potential sighting from 11-year-old Evelyn from Fife. Want to join next year’s Quest? Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop on upcoming events.
This summer, we continued our Deepscan cruises with Alan McKenna, listening for mysterious sounds with our underwater microphone. The cruises have sparked plenty of conversation and speculation, with unexplained noises adding to the intrigue. If you missed out, there are still a few cruises left this year—join us on Saturday, 28th September or Saturday, 2nd November.
One of the summer’s most curious sightings came from near the castle, where a witness captured what appeared to be vegetation in a photograph, but described an object that could have been an otter or seal. Otters are rarely seen near the castle during the day, and seals are infrequent visitors to Loch Ness, especially at this time of year. While our Skipper, Ali, has been on the lookout, no seals have been reported yet. We continue to investigate this intriguing encounter, keeping a close watch for any further signs of Nessie’s neighbours.
One of the most exciting scientific ventures this summer was the deployment of the weeHoloCam, a state-of-the-art holographic camera, in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen. This cutting-edge device captured thousands of images of plankton particles, offering a unique view of Loch Ness’s microscopic life. The findings will help us learn more about the loch’s ecosystem, advancing our understanding of the biodiversity beneath the surface.
Dr. Thangavel Thevar, from the University of Aberdeen’s School of Engineering, expressed excitement about this fresh water study:
“We were curious about the water quality, especially at lower depths. The camera reached 200 metres and revealed fascinating particles that will help us better understand the loch’s biology.”
Nagina Ishaq, General Manager of The Loch Ness Centre, added:
“Our goal is to present the whole story of Loch Ness, from the science to the myths. Partnering with researchers like the team from Aberdeen helps us uncover the mysteries of the loch on a deeper level.”
Stay tuned for more discoveries later this year as we continue to explore the wonders of Loch Ness!
Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest sightings and updates using #ISeeNessie.
