The people behind the new Loch Ness Centre have said the search for Nessie is ongoing as its reopening date has been announced.
The newly imagined visitor centre and attraction, which will officially open its doors on June 10 after closing at the start of the year, will allow guests to learn more about the mysterious legend.
Its opening marks the 90th anniversary of the famous sighting of Nessie by Aldie Mackay in 1933, which catapulted Scotland, Loch Ness, and its monster phenomenon into hearts and minds across the world. Located at the old Drumnadrochit Hotel where the manageress once worked, the new centre has now undergone a major refurbishment.
And Juliana Delaney, Chief Executive of Continuum, which carried out the refurbishment, has pledged to continue the search for the elusive Nessie.
"The real story and the truth is that Loch Ness has phenomena that nobody can yet find the answer to. So we don't say there is a monster or there isn't a monster," she said.
"But what we do say is something is happening here. Something unusual is happening here."
Julianna added: "I want the search to be ongoing. I don't want the search or the research to stop. That's really important, I don't want the Loch Ness investigation to stop. And so we are now encouraging a new generation of you might like to call it Nessie Monster spotters.
"Every guest who comes through and buys a ticket to the Loch Ness centre will for one year become part of our Loch Ness quest. So we will send them updates, we'll send them any sightings, we will keep them up to date with what's happening on Loch Ness for 12 months after they visit."
The long-awaited upgrades to the centre will allow visitors to explore the legend and myths of Loch Ness through immersive tours and take trips aboard the attractions research vessel, Deepscan.
The new one-hour experience will take guests through 500 million years of history to explore the myths and examine the research surrounding the Loch Ness Monster. Guests will be able to hear real people's stories, discover artefacts, and hear scientific debate on the existence of Nessie as they learn more about the mysterious legend.
Voyage seekers will also have the extraordinary chance to explore the depths of the world's most famous Loch with Deepscan Captain Alistair Matheson. Guests can now book a trip onboard the vessel, named after a famous expedition carried out on the Loch in 1987.
The one-of-a-kind cruise takes up to 12 guests on a "very special" journey where they will be able to witness the breathtaking beauty of Urquhart Castle and search the depths of the Loch themselves using specialist sonar equipment on board.
The new Loch Ness Centre is investing in support for Loch Ness Exploration teams to help ensure the search continues for a new generation. In fact, visitors to the upgraded attraction will become part of the continuing research even after they leave.
More information can be found on the Loch Ness Centre website.
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