Huge search for the Loch Ness Monster claims to have found 'unexplainable' new evidence

Intriguing sights and sounds have been captured during a major new probe of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands.

A couple of particularly interesting findings are now being investigated further.

One is a unique sound that has not so far been identified – described as a “rhythmic pulsing” noise that lasted about ten seconds, recorded using a hydrophone in the darkest depths of the 23-mile-long loch.

The other is a photograph showing unusual activity on the surface of Loch Ness.

The image, captured by 11-year-old Evelyn Murphy, shows a clear break in the water surface made by an unknown object. The picture and audio were recorded during Quest, an annual Nessie-hunting event organised by the Loch Ness Centre tourist attraction, based at Drumnadrochit.

They have created a big stir among Nessie fans.

“The excitement this weekend has proven that intrigue surrounding Loch Ness and its monster is still very much alive,” Paul Nixon, general manager of the Loch Ness Centre, said. “We all want the same thing – to discover the mysteries of the natural phenomena beneath the loch.”

Around half a million tourists are lured to the Loch Ness area each year, hoping to spot Nessie – generating upwards of £40 million for the Scottish economy

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Loch Ness Project skipper Alistair Mathieson, who runs cruises aboard the vessel Deepscan, took part in the searches, deploying a 60ft hydrophone to listen for sounds echoing from the deep.

The recording of the “mysterious” noise will now be analysed by Alan McKenna from Loch Ness Exploration in an attempt to identify the source of the sound, which he says is unlike any he has ever heard before.

Volunteer spotter Ashley Range, who travelled from Washington state in the US to take part in the Quest, said: “I’ve been obsessed with Scotland and Nessie my whole life, and to be here is just a dream. To be on an actual expedition and out on Deepscan, exploring Loch Ness, is a dream come true. I definitely believe in Nessie.

Volunteer monster hunter Evelyn Murphy, aged 11, captured this unidentified object – or creature – in Loch Ness. Could it be Nessie?

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“Although a lot of the evidence can be explained, there is a lot out there that is unexplainable. It has been an incredible trip.”

As well as loch searches, a number of other Nessie-related events, including talks, debates and screenings, were staged during the four-day Quest.

The mythology of Nessie the Loch Ness Monster has continued to capture the public imagination ever since a ‘sighting’ nearly 1,500 years ago. The earliest recorded mention of Loch Ness’s oldest inhabitant, mooted to be a plesiosaur, dates back to the sixth century.

Hundreds of people of all ages took part in searches for Nessie as well as in-person and online events, talks, debates and screenings during Quest, a four-day annual celebration of the legendary monster

Today the enduring question over whether or not the prehistoric relic may still roam the murky depths of the Highland loch is worth millions of pounds a year to Scottish tourism.

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Around half a million tourists are lured to the Loch Ness area each year, hoping to spot Nessie – generating upwards of £40 million for the Scottish economy.

Mr Nixon said: “We have been delighted to welcome so many people to the Loch Ness Centre for hour-long centre tours and Deepscan boat trips across the weekend. After another successful Quest weekend, we’re more determined than ever to continue our search for answers.”