Glasgow Caledonian lecturer says Loch Ness Monster stories will ‘never die’ as Scotland celebrates 90th anniversary of sighting
Loch Ness Monster
A journalism lecturer has said that Loch Ness Monster stories will “never die” as this week marks the 90 years since the first modern newspaper report of a sighting.
The Inverness Courier published the now-infamous account on May 2 1933 after a local couple claimed to have spotted a large animal in the depths of the Loch.
The furore surrounding it led to the first and most well-known image of the beast to be published in the following year.
Since then, that picture has been debunked as a hoax, but that has not stopped an international curiosity fostering around the monster and its connection to Scottish folklore.
Ben McConville, a former journalist and lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, is among the countless journalists to report on the mystery during his career.
He wrote stories published worldwide on the Loch Ness Monster while working as the Associated Press’s Scotland correspondent, and even became known as the unofficial “UFO editor” while working at the Sunday people.
Speaking to the Glasgow Standard, he said: “The story wasn’t created by the media. Interest in the paranormal predates the media.
“It’s a real story. And the quality media is just as happy to report on it as the tabloid media.
“It will never die because it’s a wonderful story, and it’s thrilling.”
He added: “I can never see a headline saying the Loch Ness Monster doesn’t exist. Because who would want to print that? Only the biggest killjoy ever.”
Since tales of the Loch Ness Monster spread beyond Inverness to become part of Scotland’s national identity, the topic has also become the subject of serious investigation.
In the 1960s scientists even detected large scale movement beneath the water.
The monster has also spawned attractions such as the Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit, which is currently being renovated.
Juliana Delaney, CEO of Continuum Attractions and leader of the new Loch Ness Centre, said: “Loch Ness and the ‘monster’ phenomenon continue to play a major role in Scotland’s story one which captures global interest and the world’s imagination. And the mysteries remain as alive today as ever before.
“In the newly reimagined Loch Ness Centre, we will provide answers and showcase real artefacts, but we expect guests to leave us – still looking.
“The Nessie brand remains one of Scotland’s most valuable assets.”
