A CAMPAIGN has been launched to encourage visitors to come to Loch Ness to discover its legendary stories and help the area recover from the pandemic.
Visit Inverness Loch Ness has launched a short film inspired by tales of the legendary Loch Ness Monster, as part of VisitScotland’s Year of Stories.
The launch of the video follows 16 official sightings of the Loch Ness Monster in 2021, just short of the 2019 record of 18.
The video was filmed in 13 locations with locals sharing stories about their sightings of Nessie, some of them passed down through generations.
READ MORE: Police 'seize Loch Ness Monster' during COP26 dawn raid
Jo de Sylva, chair of Visit Inverness and one of the stars of the video, 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!”
Funding for the video came from VisitScotland’s Destination and Sector Marketing Fund and the Inverness City Recovery Fund.
Chris Taylor, Regional Leadership Director of Visit Scotland discussed the reasoning behind the video: “The Destination and Sector Marketing Fund was created to boost and support the sustainable recovery of Scottish tourism, helping to reach new audiences within the domestic market.
“It aims to help organisations like Visit Inverness Loch Ness reach out to new visitors within the UK and promote year-round visitor experiences.
“I hope this video encourages visitors to explore a bit further and discover the region at quieter times of the year.
“It aligns perfectly with the Scotland’s Year of Stories and the legendary tale of the Loch Ness Monster is known the world over.
“Having local voices tell that story, with a sprinkle of humour thrown in, makes it all the more authentic for visitors.”
Johan Sikkema from family vloggers, Family is our Thing, starred in the video. He said: “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?”
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.
“I really hope the video brings a sense of pride for locals while showcasing the area and its beauty to visitors, acting as a steppingstone for people to discover our stories.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here