Stories and (Alleged) Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster

Scotland has long, rich tradition of folklore and mythical creatures associated with its waterways and natural landscapes, and in Celtic mythology, water spirits and creatures were often believed to inhabit bodies of water such as lochs, rivers and springs.

These spirits were seen as guardians or embodiments of the water, sometimes benevolent and protective, while at other times mischievous or even malevolent. Tales of kelpies (water horses capable of shapeshifting) and each-uisge (a creature resembling a water horse or sea serpent) were common in Scottish folklore. These legends contributed to the belief that mysterious and otherworldly beings could dwell within the depths of Scotland's lochs.

The mystique of Loch Ness and its remote surroundings played a part in the monster mythology as well. The stories of "water bulls" or "water kelpies" associated with the deep, dark waters were prevalent in local folklore. These creatures were described as fearsome beasts that would attack and devour unsuspecting victims who ventured too close to the water's edge.

However, the modern-day legend of the Loch Ness monster didn't take shape until the early 20th century.

The first claimed sighting of the Loch Ness monster that gained widespread attention occurred in 1933 when Margaret and George Spicer reported seeing a large creature with a long neck and humps crossing the road near the loch. Their account in the Inverness Courier garnered significant media coverage, sparking public interest and speculation about the existence of such a creature.

People continue to report Loch Ness monster sightings, but all accompanying photos and videos have been soundly debunked. Additionally, advancements in sonar technology, underwater cameras and DNA sampling have been employed in systematic searches of Loch Ness, hoping to gather concrete evidence of the creature's existence or absence.

Despite the many eyewitness accounts, there is no proof that that Loch Ness monster exists. Here are three of the most famous reported sightings.

The Surgeon's Photograph (1934)

Robert Kenneth Wilson, a London gynecologist, took one of the most famous and controversial photographs allegedly showing the Loch Ness monster. Known as the "Surgeon's Photograph," the image depicts a small head and long neck emerging from the water. While it gained significant attention and was widely published, it was later revealed to be a hoax.

The Dinsdale Film (1960)

Filmmaker Tim Dinsdale captured footage of a large object moving through the water of Loch Ness. This film, known as the "Dinsdale Film," shows a dark shape with a hump visible above the water's surface. It remains one of the most notable pieces of evidence in support of the Loch Ness monster's existence.

The Holmes Video (2007)

Gordon Holmes captured video footage of a large, dark shape moving in the water while he was observing Loch Ness from his home. The video gained attention due to its clear imagery and the witness's credibility. However, like many sightings, it remains unverified and subject to interpretation.

Some eager believers theorize that the Loch Ness monster could be a plesiosaur, a large (and notably extinct) marine reptile that lived during the Mesozoic Era. Plesiosaurs are often depicted with long necks and flippers, resembling the descriptions of dear little Nessie. Proponents of the theory argue that Loch Ness provides a suitable habitat with sufficient food supply to sustain a population of large animals.

However, these suppositions are highly speculative and lack scientific evidence. The existence of living plesiosaurs in Loch Ness contradicts our current understanding of paleontology and the extinction of these marine reptiles over 65 million years ago. Moreover, the ecological conditions and the limited size of Loch Ness make it highly unlikely to support a breeding population of adult plesiosaurs.

This article was created in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.