The Loch Ness Monster

While visiting Scotland, you may be lucky enough to spot the mythical creature the Loch Ness Monster. The Loch Ness Monster, who is also known as “Nessie” is one of the best-known mysteries of Scotland. This mythical creature is described as a plesiosaur-like creature, with a long, thick neck, and has been given its name due to the Loch it is said to inhabit.

The Loch is one of a series of interconnected, murky bodies of water in Scotland; its water visibility is exceptionally low due to a high peat content in the surrounding soil. Loch Ness is the second largest Scottish Loch by surface area after Loch Lomond but is the largest in depth. With its depth, murkiness and reported underground caverns, it is easy to see how the mythical Loch Ness Monster could hide.

The Loch Ness Monster is considered to be a cryptid, any creature that may or may not exist. Sightings of various cryptids have been reported, but their reality has not been proved. Many cryptids are also lake monsters but can be anything from humanoid creatures to blue tigers.

Though there have been many sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, since as early as 500 AD: the scientific community regards the Loch Ness Monster as a modern-day myth, and explains sightings as a mix of hoaxes and wishful thinking.

See for yourself when you visit Scotland on your next vacation. Visit the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre and learn about the history, the possible sightings and the scientific experiments of this famed creature. Visitors to the exhibition have rave reviews. Learn about other must-see attractions in the U.K. from our team at Celtic Tours!