Rex had them stumped
Field’s Nessie-like tree became global phenomenon
Intrepid villagers headed to the hills around Killearn this week for another meeting with the‘creature’ which turned the tiny Stirlingshire village into a global phenomenon.
Jimmy Wright’s chance photo of an intriguing image while out dogwalking in the Crow Hill area, known locally as the “cow field”, set the internet ablaze – despite the reality that it was merely a misshapen tree trunk!
The “Nessie-like” image featured in the Stirling Observer after Jimmy posted it on a villagers’ Facebook site.
While it was obvious to locals that the “monster” was in fact an old tree stump, those further afield and not in the know soon began speculating and Killearn began receiving unprecedented media attention, featuring in UK national newspapers, and in media across the world.
As well as YouTubers making films dedicated to the “beast”, TV companies as far afield as Taiwan were scrambling to speculate on the photograph, and one British journalist even contacted Edinburgh Zoo in the hope that they could identify it.
One expert from England even claimed he was sure it was a Monitor Lizard and warned the public not to approach it.
This week Jimmy (66) made good on a pledge to donate £100 to the charity of choice of the local who came up with the most “liked” name for the monster.
Young Matthew Whitson came up with the highly appropriate moniker “Branchiosaurus Rex”.
On Tuesday he was joined at the site by another creature not exactly native to the area – Lewis the Lion – who was there on behalf of the Seven Sisters Zoo, Matthew’s chosen charity and recipient of Jimmy’s £100.
Jimmy, who also presented Matthew with a certificate to commemorate his naming success, said the whole “monster” experience had been overwhelming.
He said: “I have enjoyed it immensely. I never dreamed that what had started off as a bit of local fun would generate such global interest. I am still recovering from the impact.” Villager Mary Young meanwhile, who had originally suggested the naming competition, is hoping all those who have read about the Killearn phenomenon or logged on to see Jimmy’s photo will now have more than a passing interest in visiting Killearn or at least getting to know more about it.
She said: “I will be launching a facebook page ‘Branchiosaurus Rex; Killearn Nessie’ at the weekend, primarily for all the people round the world who wanted to join in the fun, and to learn more about our village’.”
Annie Galbraith, one of the trustees for the Five Sisters Zoo Rescue and Conservation SCIO said: “The charity are delighted to receive this donation.
“We rely on the support of local communities and donations of this type are very much appreciated.”