Webcam Nessie 'sighting' needs clear facial features to be officially registered
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Claimed "sightings" of something unexplained via webcams around Loch Ness will not be officially registered unless they contain footage of clear facial features.
Veteran Nessie spotter Eoin O'Faodhagain, of County Donegal, Ireland, spotted a hump-shaped creature splashing in the water while watching a webcam earlier this month.
But it has not made it to the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register following the introduction of a new policy.
The installation of live-streaming webcams around the famous loch has enabled people around the world to enjoy the stunning scenery – as well as keeping a watch for anything unusual, leading to an increase in "sightings".
Gary Campbell, keeper of the register, has agreed a new policy in conjunction with VisitInvernessLochNess.
It states: "We understand that along side the amazing scenery and landscapes you will see a lot of strange movements on the loch with weather, wildlife and the odd paddleboarder (these can make a great Nessie shadow in the right light!)
"We have been asked by our friends who own the official Loch Ness Monster sighting register that you remember the cameras will not always give a clear resolution.
"We want you to spot the mystical legend that is our beloved Nessie but when making an official sighting report you must have footage of clear facial features of an unknown creature in the footage for it to be considered."
Mr Campbell said: "We respect this approach."
Mr O'Faodhagain, a 58-year-old health service clerical officer, is a prolific Nessie spotter, who has previously had several sightings registered.
His latest sighting, which has not been accepted, was captured through the Shoreland Lodges Webcam which has night vision. It took place on May 8 at 9.55pm.
He estimated it was 100 metres out from the northern shoreline.
"I first noticed like a large fish jumping, and the wake it would leave but to my surprise it started moving and accelerated, then slowed and accelerated again, a lot faster than any known animal in Loch Ness," he said.
"At various times, something is seen protruding from the water at the front of the moving object a couple of feet up out of the water, and behind this is a few feet away is a hump shape, and again about 15 to 20ft behind this, another hump shape briefly comes up out of the water."
He said at times, it generated plenty of movement and splashing and other times it was just visible wake.
"I estimated to be in excess of 25ft long, again certainly too long for known animals," he said.
"At the end of the sighting, there was nothing more to see, it was gone, no disturbance, no nothing."
Mr O'Faodhagain spends about an hour in the morning before he goes to work watching webcams around Loch Ness and an hour or two in the evening if he has time.
