A new video is aiming to entice people to come to Loch Ness in search of its most famous inhabitant.
Created by Visit Inverness, the clip shows the wonder of Loch Ness and the surrounding area and is inspired by tales of the legendary Loch Ness Monster.
As part of VisitScotland’s Year of Stories, it's hoped the video will encourage visitors to come and spend time in the area and discover its stories, including the legend of Loch Ness, and aid the area’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The launch comes after a bumper year for the monster with 16 official sightings of the Loch Ness Monster in 2021.
This is just short of the record year 2019, which had no less than 18.
The appeal of the Loch Ness Monster is as magnetic as ever with thousands travelling to the loch in hopes of catching a glimpse of the famous monster.
The video is filmed across 13 locations including Culloden Battlefield, Dores Beach and of course, Urquhart Castle, with locals sharing stories about Nessie sightings, some of them passed down through generations.
All the stories combine into one big tale that captivates the viewer, who is left wondering if they too will get a glimpse of Nessie this time.
Everybody who stars in the video is local – from business people to families – and it features some of the area’s most iconic locations.
Among the stars of the video are Jo de Sylva, Chair of Visit Inverness Loch Ness, and local family vloggers Family is our Thing.
Speaking about the video Jo said: “Inverness, Loch Ness and the surrounding area have so many stories, legends and myths to tell, so it’s great to have this video to encourage people to come and discover the stories for themselves.
"From the history of Culloden Battlefield and Urquhart Castle to the beauty of Loch Ness and the great activities and attractions in the area, this video is the perfect way to bring them all together to showcase what we have to offer, as well as our sense of humour.”
Johan Sikkema from Family is our Thing added: “You can’t beat a good story and we have one of the best ones on our doorstep! Nessie is such a star in Inverness and around the world so why shouldn’t we tell stories about her? The video is such a fun way to do this, and we are so excited to be involved.”
Michael Golding, CEO at Visit Inverness Loch Ness, said: “Come for Nessie, stay for the history, beauty and numerous activities and attractions.
"Inverness and Loch Ness are so much more than just Nessie, but she is the star of the show and our new video, which we are delighted to launch.
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