THE new Loch Ness Centre offers visitors the chance to explore one of Scotland’s most famous legends, learn more about scientific research and “debate the existence of Nessie”.
Following a £1.5 million refurbishment, the centre will be officially opening its doors on Saturday, June 10.
The new attraction will offer unique deep-scan cruises with onboard sonar equipment to search the depths of Loch Ness. Fitting 12 guests per cruise, the one-hour boat ride provides views of Urquhart Castle and educational information about the loch.
This year marks the 90th anniversary of Aldie Mackay’s famous Nessie “sighting”, which turned the Scottish legend into a global sensation.
In April 1933, Aldie spotted “an enormous animal rolling and plunging on the surface” of Loch Ness. Referring to the creature as a “monster” for the first time, the story reported by the Inverness Courier made international headlines.
Located at the old Drumnadrochit Hotel where Aldie Mackay used to work as the manager, the Loch Ness Centre intends to provide a range of interactive experiences.
Some of the highly-anticipated stories told in the centre include “This Majestic Place”, “Scottish Myths and Legends” and “The Scientific Search for the Truth”.
According to Visit Scotland, Loch Ness – the country’s second-deepest loch – attracts thousands of visits from overseas tourists, bringing in £1 million to the area each year.
Juliana Delaney, chief executive of Continuum Attractions, which carried out the refurbishment, said: “From 10th June we look forward to welcoming guests from across the UK and the globe, excited to join us for this must visit experience when they arrive in the Highlands. We now present the story of this global phenomenon in a modern and engaging way.
“We appreciate we are only guardians of this legend as many Nessie enthusiasts are truly passionate about this place and its history. We wanted to involve them and the community to get it right for the locals and tourists alike.”
Pre-booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended with adult tickets starting from £13.95 and Deepscan Cruises tickets starting from £19.00.
For more information on the Loch Ness Centre, visit: https://lochness.com/
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel