Loch Ness is reaching record dry levels - and people believe mysteries from the famous lake could soon be uncovered.
A water scarcity alert has been parts of Scotland by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), with a prolonged spell of dry weather affecting water levels across the UK.
Last month, the loch fell to its lowest levels since 1990, with the loch currently classified as being "low".
Some have claimed that hyrdo-electric power schemes have changed water levels at Loch Ness, which is the largest body of water in the UK.
A level of just over 109cm (3.5ft) was recorded at Foyers on May 24, the lowest since records began in 1990.
It means the lake - which has long been subject to rumours about the infamous Loch Ness Monster - could soon be low enough to reveal some of its mysteries.
Just this week, Nessie hunters were offered a massive £25,000 reward to provide proof that the famous monster is living in the Scottish loch.
The gauntlet was thrown down for fans by celebrity businessman Dave Fishwick, also known as 'Bank of Dave'.
He told ITV's This Morning that he was ready to part with £25,000 to anybody who can uncover the mystery of the elusive legend.
Thousands of people visit the lake every year, with estimates claiming the reputed monster is worth almost £41 million a year to the UK economy.
Ness District Salmon Fishery Board said the river was already at levels more usually seen at the end of summer as large areas appear to dry out.
Director Brian Shaw told BBC Scotland there is a "tremendous amount of concern" about the loch, particularly as it had already got to its lowest on level twice this summer.
He added: "Most people wouldn't appreciate just how controlled the Ness system is. When it gets down to these low levels almost every aspect of it is controlled by hydro schemes on the system."
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Sepa’s head of water and planning, said: "For the risk of water scarcity to have reached significant this early in the summer is extremely concerning and leaves no doubt that the next few months are going to be very challenging for all those who rely on the water environment to run their business.
"While water levels are critical in this part of the Highlands, we can see other areas of Scotland are on the same trajectory and it’s vital that businesses take steps now to maximise the resource available and prevent further environmental harm.”
SSE told the Scottish Daily Express it was managing its water use sensitively amid challenging weather conditions.
