The Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as Nessie, is a mythical creature in Scottish folklore that is said to inhabit Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. It is often described as large, long-necked, and with one or more humps protruding from the water. Popular interest and belief in the creature has varied since it was brought to worldwide attention in 1933. Evidence of its existence is anecdotal with a number of disputed photographs and sonar readings.
Loch Ness, reported home of the monster
Cryptoclidus model used in the Five TV programme, Loch Ness Monster: The Ultimate Experiment
Reconstruction of Nessie as a plesiosaur outside the Museum of Nessie
Loch Ness is a large freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately 37 kilometres southwest of Inverness. It takes its name from the River Ness, which flows from the northern end. Loch Ness is best known for claimed sightings of the cryptozoological Loch Ness Monster, also known affectionately as "Nessie". It is one of a series of interconnected, murky bodies of water in Scotland; its water visibility is exceptionally low due to the high peat content of the surrounding soil. The southern end connects to Loch Oich by the River Oich and a section of the Caledonian Canal. The northern end connects to Loch Dochfour via the River Ness, which then ultimately leads to the North Sea via the Moray Firth.
With Urquhart Castle in the foreground
Urquhart Bay and Loch Ness viewed from Grant's Tower at Urquhart Castle
Locks on Caledonian Canal in Fort Augustus, Loch Ness in the background
Loch Ness looking south, taken in May 2006.