Introduction - What is the Loch Ness Monster
Loch Ness is one of the largest lakes in the UK. It is found in the North of Scotland, in an area known as the Great Glen. Surrounded by mountains, with water made dark by the surrounding peat soil, it has long been regarded as a haunting and beautiful place.
The first recorded sighting of the Loch Ness Monster comes from some of the earliest recorded history of Scotland. The biography of Saint Columba, written in the 6th Century, tells how the local Pictish people were being attacked by an aquatic beast that Saint Columba sent back into the loch.
Since that time, there have been over a thousand sightings of a mysterious monster in the region of Loch Ness. Do you dare investigate further?
Your mission is to investigate the evidence, facts and theories surrounding the Loch Ness Monster and write up your findings in a final report.
Activity 1 - Loch Ness Monster Design Activity
Many people say that they have seen the Loch Ness Monster. These are some quotes from those who claim to have spotted Nessie:
‘I saw a single hump travelling at speed…’
‘The hump looked like an upturned boat or the back of a giant tortoise.’ ‘It had a back like an elephant.’
‘I saw two humps…’
‘It had multiple humps… like a giant eel.’
‘It had a tail, and a neck that was about five feet long.’ ‘It had a 30-foot hump and a neck six feet out of the water.’ ‘I saw a swan-like neck.’
‘It looked like a dinosaur with an 8-foot long neck.’
‘…a snake-like head…’
‘The beast was the full width of the road…’
‘It was the nearest thing to a prehistoric animal that I have ever seen.’ ‘…huge animal with a giraffe-like neck.’
Use the quotes above to draw what you think the Loch Ness Monster might look like.
Activity 2 - Reading Activity
Read through the following information.
The Loch Ness Monster
The Legend of Loch Ness
The Loch Ness monster, Nessie, is said to live in the deep, dark waters of Loch Ness, Scotland. Loch is a Scottish word for lake. The story of Nessie was said to have started in AD 565. A monk called Columba saw a giant ‘water beast’ coming out of the water. He said a prayer to scare the monster away.
Believe It or Not?
- Some scientists think that Nessie was a dinosaur.
- Part of the loch is 812ft deep. It has been named Nessie’s Lair.
- There are over 200 000 Internet searches for Nessie every month.
- Nessie has her own fan club.
- Even Scooby Doo has tried to find Nessie!
Fact or Fiction?
Nobody has ever proved Nessie to be real. However, there have been over 1000 sightings since the legend began. In 2017, three people spotted Nessie! Over one million people visit the loch every year to try and spot the famous monster.
Famous Nessie Sightings
Sighting | Evidence | Hoax |
In 1934, a surgeon called Robert White said that he saw Nessie’s head coming out of the water. | 40 years later, it was uncovered as a toy submarine with a fake head and tail. | |
In 1935, a hunter said he found a footprint on the banks of Loch Ness. | The print was made with a stuffed hippo foot. | |
In 2012, a boat skipper reported he saw a hump coming out of the loch. | In 2013, the skipper admitted it was a fibreglass model of Nessie. | |
In 2014, Nessie was spotted on a satellite photo. | It was the wake of a boat. |
Searching for Nessie
- In 1934, the first official search to uncover the mystery of Loch Ness took place.
Twenty men were paid £2 a day to be ‘monster’ spotters but nothing was spotted.
- The largest search to date was in 1987. It was called Operation Deepscan and it cost £1 million. Researchers used sonar technology and underwater cameras to look for Nessie. They searched 60% of the loch and the only evidence they uncovered was something ‘larger than a shark but smaller than a whale’.
- Even Scooby Doo has searched for Nessie but he was unsuccessful too!
Activity 3 - Let's Create
Write a diary entry, poem or story about someone who spots the Loch Ness Monster.
Draw an illustration to go with your writing.
Activity 4 - Let's Connect
Why is Nessie important for Scottish tourism?
In your opinion, do you think Nessie exists?
Explain your answer.
Activity 5 - Let's Explore
Research a myth or legend you find interesting and write about your findings, for example, the Kelpies or Bigfoot.