The elusive hunt for the Loch Ness monster has been a worldwide phenomenon since the first recorded Nessie sighting 85 years ago – and an exhibition displaying artwork from children on “what Loch Ness means” yesterday went on display at Inverness Airport to celebrate the anniversary.
A total of 120 Primary pupils from Cradlehall Primary in Inverness, Nairn’s Rosebank Primary and Glen Urquhart Primary in Drumnadrochit produced drawings of what Loch Ness makes them think of, and Nessie and the Urquhart Castle were not too far out of mind.
The artwork will be on display for six weeks in the main terminal building, where Graeme Bell of Inverness Airport met with Adrian Shine and Robbie Bremner from the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre to unveil the works.
A spokesman on behalf of the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with our local community. It gives a wonderful insight to visitors travelling through Inverness Airport as to what Loch Ness means to the children living here.”
The mystery surrounding the sightings of the Loch Ness monster dates back to the first recorded sighting in 1933, where the manageress of the Drumnadrochit Hotel sparked what has now become one of the biggest mysteries of modern times.
However, ancient folklore suggests Saint Columbas also witnessed a creature in the loch many centuries before.
Pupils from each of the three Primary schools involved have been hard at work creating some colourful and artistic creations to go on show.
Sightings of Nessie have been claimed and disregarded numerous times over the years. However, there remains great optimism surrounding the hunt to prove the existence of the monster.
Adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who opened the exhibition centre several years ago, said at the time: “With an open mind this is a truly superb exhibition for Adults and Children of all nationalities. Science today has not proved anything either way and there is still an enormous question.”
Visitors to Inverness Airport are encouraged to share their opinions of the artwork by using the hashtag #lnmonster on social media platforms.