Coo blimey - meet the newest resident on the shores of Loch Ness
CRUISE boat company Loch Ness by Jacobite has been busy taking on new crew to cater for the thousands of visitors expected to descend on the world-famous waters this spring and summer.
Among them this year, though, is one extra special addition almost certain to become a "selfie magnet" with the public – Ozzy the heavy metal Highland bull.
Ozzy has been created by Scottish blacksmiths and sculpting outfit ArtFe, based outside Edinburgh and bought by the Dochgarroch-based team to add extra interest for visitors to their site.
Skillfully formed from a series of welded chains, he is already causing quite a stir.
Even a slightly jealous-sounding Nessie has been moved to tweet from the Loch Ness by Jacobite Twitter account: "Quite the beast you’ve got there...I’m better tho right?!"
Ozzy, who will be based in the cruise company’s car park, has one friend already with him in the form of a tiny mouse placed inside his body as the "signature" of sculptor Kev Paxton.
And there are plans for a sculpted calf to also join him in the near future.
Ozzy’s arrival is just one of the visible signs of Loch Ness by Jacobite gearing up for the start of the 2018 cruising season, on March 26.
The firm has also put in place a new pontoon berth, designed so that its vessels fit more snugly against the banks of the Caledonian Canal.
The current fleet of three boats capable of carrying just over 600 passengers between them is also set to be joined by a fourth, the Jacobite Maverick, towards the end of May or beginning of June. This will be able to accommodate a further 200 passengers.
Operations director Pauline Wilson said: "Everything is going well for the new season and hopefully the new boat the Jacobite Maverick will arrive from the south of England on time.
"We think the sculptures will be very popular because everyone loves Highland cows."
