Loch Ness

The only monster you will see is a replica at Urquart Castle. [1]

A mere mention of Loch Ness in Scotland will invariably be greeted with tales of a mysterious creature which lives beneath the surface of the Loch.

Despite the beautiful scenery which surrounds the Loch, the drawing-power of the Loch brings voyeuristic tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the monster.

It was in the 6th Century AD that reports first emerged of a beast living below the surface of the Loch but the legend was not sealed in history until 1868, when the Inverness Courier reported "A few days ago a large fish came ashore on the banks of Loch Ness. Neither the name or the species of the strange visitor could be satisfactorily explained."

Curiosity soon got the better of inquisitive visitors and soon the air was alive with tales of the creature. After a photo taken by a prominent Surgeon (pictured above) was published, scientists began to hypothesise as to the origin of the "strage visitor". Many believed that the monster was a descentant of the dinosaurs, perhaps a Plesiosaur. Sporadic sightings followed of the creatured dubbed "Nessie", most of which have since been discredited. To this day, there is little, if any conclusive proof that the monster exists despite extensive and expensive research and observatory work.

With any other tourist attraction of this nature, there is the abundance of tack tourist amusements and souvenier shops. The Museum of Loch Ness provides a fascinating insight into the various sightings of "Nessie" including the various theories as to "her" origin. Accompanied by a vast array of tack tourist attractions and souveniers, the Loch at Loch Ness becomes an addition to the Seven Kitsch Wonders.