A creature similar to what is believed to be the Loch Ness Monster was first seen in Pictish cave drawings from the 1st century. There are numerous drawings of what has been described as a "swimming elephant," it is the only creature unrecognized in the drawings as a known animal. The first written record of a viewing of the Loch Ness Monster was by St. Columba in 565 AD. He supposedly witnessed and prevented an attack on a man by a large beast on the shores of Loch Ness. The first sighting in modern history was in 1933. A couple driving along the new road that was build alongside the loch noticed something huge on the surface of the lake. There have been over 4,000 sightings since then. There are many photographs of something on the loch but none are clear enough to say if it is or is not the Loch Ness Monster.
Loch Ness is a deep loch in the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It is overlooked by the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle. It is the second largest loch in Scotland next to Loch Lomond, but is the deepest loch. It reportedly has large caves or chasms in which a creature like the Loch Ness Monster could hide and remain hidden over the centuries.
The Loch Ness Monster has become a huge tourist draw with numerous bed and breakfasts and tours. There are books, movies, and numerous souvenirs in relation to Nessie (as the sea monster if affectionately known). It would be nice if Nessie really did exist. The idea that a beast could make its home in a loch in Scotland and go undiscovered for centuries is very romantic. However, it would be sad if Nessie's existence was proven or disproven by science. Nessie is Scotland's answer to the mythical water-horse or to the dragon. The idea of Nessie is what keeps many people coming back to Loch Ness and adds to the charm and wonder that Scottish culture has to offer.
