The Enchantment of the Scottish Highlands
Scotland is a land of mythical creatures, spooky ghouls, and magical history, all set against the immeasurable beauty of a diverse landscape. It’s no wonder then, that this country is renowned worldwide for its captivating storytelling – and perhaps none more famous than the tale of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as Nessie.
As a lifelong Nessie enthusiast, I’ve been fascinated by this elusive creature since I was a wee beastie. And I know I’m not alone – humans, by our very nature, are a curious species, always seeking to discover something new, previously unseen, and unexplained. We’re also an imaginative and spiritual lot, wanting to believe in something bigger and more mysterious than ourselves.
Whenever friends and family visit from abroad, they’re always keen to take a road trip up to the Highlands and Loch Ness, in the hopes of catching a glimpse of our beloved Nessie. Usually, we make the journey up north yearly, but this time, we’re going to experience the magic of Loch Ness virtually – and the best part is, you’re all invited to come along!
The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition: Where the Legends Come Alive
Whether you approach Loch Ness with scientific curiosity or imaginative spirituality, the absolute best place to soak in the awe-inspiring wonder of this legendary loch is the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition in the village of Drumnadrochit.
As we make our way to the Centre, I can’t help but recall the wise words from the Ted Danson movie, Loch Ness: “Before you can see it, you must believe it!” Now, I know there are plenty of skeptics out there, but let me tell you, many were also skeptical about the stories of an elusive Bavarian lion, dressed in lederhosen, roaming around Edinburgh – and look how that turned out!
With that bit of magic and childlike wonderment restored, it’s time to head into Drumnadrochit, where the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition sits proudly on the western banks of the loch, just about 15 miles southwest from Inverness. The Centre’s beautiful Victorian-era building, which used to be a hotel, is hard to miss.
The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is well-organized and easy to navigate, with ample parking to accommodate visitors. A quick tip before we head inside – be sure to book your Deepscan cruise on the loch right away, as they tend to fill up quickly. And if you can, try to arrive at the Centre as soon as it opens in the morning to beat the bigger crowds and tour buses that will be arriving later.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Loch Ness
Now that we’ve got our tickets and are ready to explore, let’s dive into the fascinating history of the legendary Loch Ness Monster. The first written account dates back to 565 AD, when Irish missionary Saint Columba witnessed a water monster charging towards one of his followers in the River Ness. Luckily, Saint Columba blessed and commanded the beast to leave, and it did just that – but the legend lived on for centuries afterwards.
It wasn’t until the 1930s, however, that Nessie really started gaining widespread recognition. As the use of the Caledonian Canal and the construction of new roads around Loch Ness increased the number of visitors, so too did the sightings of the elusive creature. Then, in 1934, the famous “Surgeon Photo” was published, and the myth and lore of the Loch Ness Monster truly took off!
People from all walks of life – mystics, skeptics, and everyone in between – flocked to Loch Ness in hopes of catching a glimpse of Nessie. The interest has ebbed and flowed over the years, often in response to evidence of the monster’s existence being debunked, like the Surgeon Photo being deemed a hoax in 1994. But despite these setbacks, the curiosity and fascination with Nessie has never truly faded.
As we step inside the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, we’re greeted by the familiar voice of Mr. Adrian Shine, the Godfather of Loch Ness himself. If you’ve watched any documentary about this legendary loch in the last few decades, you’ve undoubtedly seen Mr. Shine – he’s a world-renowned expert who has been exploring and studying Loch Ness since the 1970s, contributing to countless scientific studies, including the most recent environmental DNA study in 2018.
Uncovering the Secrets of the Loch
The Exhibition is divided into six captivating sections, each one designed to educate and entertain visitors, no matter their beliefs about Nessie. From the “From the Beginning of Time” room, which delves into the geological history of the loch, to the “Secrets Beneath” section, which showcases the submersibles and coring machines used to study the depths of Loch Ness, the Centre leaves no stone unturned in its quest to unravel the mysteries of this iconic Scottish landmark.
But the magic of the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition doesn’t stop there. As Mr. Shine himself says, the Centre never judges anyone or their eyewitness accounts of the bizarre. Instead, they acknowledge that while we can rationalize many of the sightings as logs, wakes, water birds, or large fish, the true magic of Loch Ness is that if you believe, then you will see your monster!
Loch Ness Shores is proud to recommend the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition as a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring the Scottish Highlands. Whether you’re a die-hard Nessie enthusiast or simply in awe of the natural beauty of this iconic loch, the Centre offers an unparalleled “edutainment” experience that will leave you enchanted and eager to return.
Cruising the Legendary Waters of Loch Ness
After exploring the Exhibition, it’s time to embark on the Deepscan cruise and experience the magic of Loch Ness from the water. We’re picked up by the friendly Scottish gentleman, Alistair Matheson, and loaded into the van for the short drive to the marina. As we board the vessel, appropriately named Deepscan, the excitement is palpable – no matter how many times we’ve been on Loch Ness, the thrill never wears off.
The views from the boat are simply breathtaking, especially as we pass by the iconic Urquhart Castle. And with Alistair, our knowledgeable and humorous Skipper Ali, at the helm, the cruise is not only visually stunning but also a wonderful educational experience. He’s a fountain of knowledge about Loch Ness and is always happy to answer any questions we might have.
As we circle around Urquhart Bay one last time before heading back to the marina, I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and appreciation for this magical place. The Scottish Highlands, and Loch Ness in particular, have a way of capturing the heart and imagination like no other. And with the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition as our guide, we’ve barely scratched the surface of the enchantment that lies within.
Believe It, and You Shall See It
I sincerely hope that our virtual journey to Loch Ness has inspired you to add this enchanting destination to your bucket list. Whether you’re a Nessie believer or simply in awe of the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is a must-visit attraction that will leave you spellbound and eager to return.
So, the next time you find yourself planning a trip to Scotland, be sure to carve out some time to explore the magic of Loch Ness. And remember, as our Highlander guide, Joe, always says: “Before you can see it, you must believe it!” With that in mind, I’ll leave you with one final piece of advice – believe in the wonder of Loch Ness, and you just might catch a glimpse of your very own Nessie.
