Most Nessie sightings for 36 years ... after scientists said she didn’t even exist!
WHEN scientists claimed this year to have proof that she did not exist, things looked bleak for the Loch Ness Monster.
But it seems Nessie has actually been busier than ever.
For there were more sightings of her this year than at any point in the past 36 years, a report has revealed.
The news is an early Christmas present for Nessie fans, who were dismayed in September when academics from New Zealand ruled out the presence of a large animal in the loch after analysing the DNA of the species living in its depths.
But Gary Campbell, keeper of the Nessie sightings register, said 18 sightings this year had been accepted – the most since 1983, when there were 21.
He added: ‘There have been more sightings of Nessie this year than at any other time this century. There may be a simple explanation – there are more eyes on the loch than ever before thanks to the webcam, social media and more tourists visiting.’ The latest glimpse of Nessie was accepted by the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register in October. Five-year-old Zachary White, from Berkshire, who suffered from acute myeloid leukaemia, travelled to the loch as a special treat.
He spotted the monster using a special Nessie-hunting kit after an hour on the water.
Afterwards, he said: ‘Not many people get to see her and I got to see her.’
The soaring spotting rate is good news for Nessie believers and the Highland tourist industry – the elusive monster is said to be worth £41 million a year to the region.
Since 1996, Mr Campbell has researched and logged 1,111 historical sightings of the creature, from recent photographs to records stretching back over the centuries.
He said Nessie was seen only 13 times last year.