Monday, 23 February 2015

A Piece of Loch Ness History



I note a piece of Loch Ness history is on sale for the mere price of around £450,000. It is the Foyers Lodge just outside of the village of Foyers on the south side of the loch. Holding twelve bedrooms, it has been a hunting lodge, a hotel and a house to let.

But, as I recall, and others may correct me, this was where Tim Dinsdale lodged during the week he captured his famous film footage and I do believe Peter O' Connor was there when he took his controversial photograph down the hill. It was the then proprietor of the lodge, Hugh Rowland, who motored his boat out onto the loch for Tim to film his comparison footage and Hugh claimed his own triangular hump sighting back then.

One previous owner, Buddy MacDougall, also claimed her own sighting of the creature when she said:

We were constantly being asked about the Loch Ness monster and one afternoon, along with two guests, we did see an upturned cabin cruiser sized object out in the bay which sank and then reappeared then sank for good.

Apparently, it even has a ghost and Buddy MacDougall again relates:

The hotel had a very friendly ambiance but quite often we did see a little white dog disappearing under the kitchen table. Also, after pooh poohing Lorna and Mhairi for reports of eerie goings on in their bedroom, I also had a frightening experience when I rushed upstairs one dark night to get something from their room when they were away from home. On opening the door, I was utterly shocked to feel a presence right in front of me. There was nothing there when I switched on the light.

Quite how many have thought they have seen the Monster from the lodge's high vantage point is difficult to tell, but for less than half a million, you can get your own piece of Loch Ness real estate.

The author can be contacted at lochnesskelpie@gmail.com



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70 comments:

  1. Geordie Sceptic23 February 2015 at 05:12

    I'd be up for buying if it also had a Bigfoot in the back garden shed

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    1. Glasgow Boy23 February 2015 at 05:21

      Bobo was up here recently, no Bigfoots at Loch Ness.

      Delete
  2. Geordie Sceptic23 February 2015 at 05:52

    Or anywhere else, for that matter. :-)

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    1. Anonymous24 February 2015 at 00:31

      Geordie,have a go at reading Gian Quasar's book,Recasting Bigfoot.
      You are right there is no " harry and the hendersons" coneheaded BIGFOOT.But there are three unknown primates and an wild human indian tribe,plus a tall humanoid hairy indian with small head.( ruby creek).the skookum was a cannalistic 6 1/2 primate with a pitbull type head.(ape canyon attack).the patterson film is a ray wallace bodystocking hoax.listen to binnall of american interview of Gian.then of roland. Cheers
      The Church Of BigFoot.

      Delete
    2. Geordie Sceptic24 February 2015 at 01:49

      I'll pass thanks. I don't believe in any type of large primate roaming the forests of America and remaining undiscovered by science. What little I know of the subject, it seems to have gone the same way as the Loch Ness story - many eyewitness reports but not one convincing video, photo, or DNA sample. I've also seen Scott Carpenter's YouTube channel and it shows how much people will see what they want to see.

      Delete
  3. trevorthecat23 February 2015 at 07:03

    Who cuts the grass? I've got a horror-story of a garden in Dores that could use him.

    Hope it sells to good people. The road-side of the building is looking a wee bit in need of some TLC.

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    1. Glasgow Boy23 February 2015 at 07:05

      I hear Ally McCoist is on gardening leave. Try him.


      Delete
  4. Gatekeeper23 February 2015 at 07:48

    Maybe a good investment.

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  5. Jenny Haniver23 February 2015 at 12:32

    It seems to me your "fun" has recently acquired nasty and vindictive undertones, usually characterised by digs and snide remarks aimed at Glasgow Boy's previous articles and suggestions.

    Just a thought.

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    1. Glasgow Boy23 February 2015 at 12:53

      I thought GS was retiring from such activity?

      Delete
  6. Glasgow Boy23 February 2015 at 14:03

    Temperatures escalting ... Time, Gentelmen!

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  7. Geordie Sceptic23 February 2015 at 14:08

    Do you think my Bigfoot in shed joke was aimed at a previous article, GB? It was nothing other than a harmless comment aimed at no one.

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    1. Glasgow Boy23 February 2015 at 14:16

      Well, I can see this thread getting nastier as the reply count increases. These things start harmlessly, but can end harmfully.

      Delete
    2. John Alvarado23 February 2015 at 15:43

      Tell me about it! See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil! Nice place, wish I had the cash to buy it. And you are correct GB, Tim Dinsdale wrote in his seminal first book, that this was the place he stayed at on his first eventful visit to Loch Ness.

      Delete
  8. Burton Caruthers23 February 2015 at 21:31

    It's quite clear where the hostility begins, and it's not with the joking post by GS. It's also clear how those incredibly hypersensitive fuses get turned around and blamed on him. Oh well!
    GB, this article reminds me of the times Boleskine House was put on the market. Such interesting places with rich histories surrounding the mystery as well as the more paranormal side of Loch Ness. The Foyers Lodge certainly doesn't have the sinister air around it that Boleskine is alleged to have. This is another time when I wish I was independently wealthy. I would love to own a place where so many folks came to rest their weary heads while trying to ferret out what the Loch holds.

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    1. Glasgow Boy24 February 2015 at 01:08

      It is my wish to retire near Loch Ness. It may not be by the loch shore but certainly a short drive away.

      Delete
    2. Geordie Sceptic24 February 2015 at 01:28

      No reason why you won't achieve that, GB. The price of the lovely house in this article shows that the market is very reasonable up there. Should be very affordable to buy a retirement cottage, the question is how often they come on the market.

      Delete
    3. Glasgow Boy24 February 2015 at 06:08

      Plenty of options right now in neighbouring towns. For now, I am staying in Edinburgh.

      Delete
    4. trevorthecat24 February 2015 at 07:22

      I think the price they are asking for Foyers Lodge reflects the need to spend another 6 figures on the inside and some of the exterior at the back.

      Even up here you don't get houses like that for 450k unless there are significant extra spends required.

      Delete
    5. Glasgow Boy24 February 2015 at 07:23

      TTC, how much of a premium do lochside houses command over others in the area?

      Delete
    6. John Alvarado24 February 2015 at 07:35

      I'd have a problem living at Boleskine House. If all the stories of the weird and sinister things that went on there are true, I'd constantly be looking under my bed, in the closet and sleeping with a night light. Plus the fact that it is located adjacent to a graveyard across the road...location, location location. Better to turn it into a tourist attraction. Which also reminds me of the story that Aleister Crowley conjured up the LNM in one of his Black Magic sessions, but that can't be, stories of a strange creature in the loch have been around since before Crowley.

      Delete
    7. trevorthecat24 February 2015 at 07:37

      Hmmm, to be honest i don't see any real premium over and above what you'd pay elsewhere for a similar house.

      The cottage next to Dores Inn has been bought by the new owners of the pub for i believe about 300k - right on the loch, but in need of some work.

      There was a very nice cottage in Fort Augustus just by the river on the market for 240k last year, and a cracker of an ex-local authority house in Lower Foyers just behind the campsite for 150k - immaculate inside (it was only on the market for days).

      There always seems to be houses going around Invermorriston and i don't see them going for more than the equivalent house in Inverness for example. It's true that Dores stuff comes on the market fairly infrequently as it's really handy for town.

      Delete
    8. Glasgow Boy24 February 2015 at 07:58

      Okay, so are the Loch Ness villages just commuter villages?

      £240-300k for cottages looks higher than Edinburgh, seems unlikely to me (unless there was a Loch Ness premium).

      £150k looks more like it. Is that the circle of houses by the cemetry?


      Delete
    9. trevorthecat24 February 2015 at 08:13

      Yeah that's them. This one had been completely renovated inside - looked very smart indeed.

      I wouldn't describe them as 'commuter villages' per se, though Dores definitely does appeal to folk who want the convenience of the town, but a rural setting. Fort Augustus is probably too far out to be classed as commuter.

      Virtually all those cottages in Drumnadrochit village square are up for sale at the moment - prices varying between 150 - 300k depending on the condition of the place. The one at 150k needs virtually gutted inside.

      There's always apartments for sale in the Abbey complex at Fort Augustus, though they are ridiculously overpriced (250k for a 2-bed). Fantastic setting though.

      If you're feeling flush there's this cracker in Dores. Beautiful house.

      http://search.struttandparker.com/property-for-sale-in-scotland/inverness-shire/inverness/dores-inverness-iv2/13579

      Or you could make Steve an offer on the van!

      Delete
    10. Glasgow Boy24 February 2015 at 08:22

      Very nice indeed. However, like many retirees, I would look to downsize if I ever made it up north.

      But that's a few years away.

      Delete
    11. trevorthecat24 February 2015 at 08:33

      John, i think a lot of the stories about Boleskine House were drummed up by the agency that was trying to sell it for Jimmy Page back in the mid-late 80s. They were pushing out all sorts, presumably working to the mantra that all publicity is good publicity.

      I think it's cracking house and would buy it in a shot if i could. One of the best houses on the loch in my opinion.

      It does attract a bit of a lunatic fringe though i think, hence the unmissable 'trespassers will be prosecuted' sign on the front gate.

      Delete
    12. John Alvarado24 February 2015 at 08:57

      Yeah, so would I, if the price was right. Not a good selling point for the agency, other than for morbid publicity sake. Still would give me the heebie-jeebies.

      Delete
    13. Glasgow Boy24 February 2015 at 09:00

      Well, if I wasn't pointing my infra-red video cam at teh loch, it would be pointing inside Boleskine House's most haunted room.

      Perhaps the one where the severed head goes for a roll - and I don't mean a sausage roll. :)

      Delete
    14. John Alvarado24 February 2015 at 09:15

      I think Steve Feltham's van deserves historical recognition status Lol :-)

      Delete
    15. Geordie Sceptic24 February 2015 at 11:13

      GB do you believe in ghosts?

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    16. Glasgow Boy24 February 2015 at 13:17

      I believe they are an unexplained phenomenon, what accounts for them I do not have a clue. But I don't think they are the spirits of dead people.

      Delete
    17. Geordie Sceptic24 February 2015 at 13:24

      The fact that they are often "seen", but never caught on film.... well I'm sure you can guess my opinion :-)

      Delete
    18. Glasgow Boy24 February 2015 at 13:35

      Well, they're not the kind of thing amenable to photography and catching one would be ... interesting.

      Delete
    19. Geordie Sceptic24 February 2015 at 13:53

      I think they are constructs of the human mind. All those "haunted" stately homes protected by 24/7 CCTV. I have a friend who watched an armoured ghost walk past her in a famous stately home. The CCTV just showed her standing and looking at thin air - nothing at all on video yet her view of the "ghost" was as clear as if a real person was walking past. Well this is what she told me anyway. She seemed really embarrassed so I think she had that experience.

      Delete
    20. John Alvarado24 February 2015 at 14:56

      GB, Some people believe that ghosts are the left over earthly energy of deceased people, what a strange concept. Hmm... I wonder if Nessies are left over energy from long ago dead ancient creatures, behold the paranormal Nessie! Maybe not, that theory has long been put to rest. Strange apparitions have been caught on tape, with no explanation, but nonetheless interesting.

      Delete
    21. Geordie Sceptic24 February 2015 at 15:22

      Links please Johnny Boy!

      Delete
    22. John Alvarado24 February 2015 at 17:08

      Plenty of videos and documentaries on YouTube. Look them up yourself laddie!

      Delete
  9. Dakota24 February 2015 at 06:00

    Reading the last few weeks I wonder. Do believers in the paranormal find it harder to interact with people? Could there be a link between isolation and the need to believe in the world of the strange? There seems to be a connection between irrationality and social disconnection which occasionally manifests itself on public forums. A study into this could prove interesting.

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    1. Glasgow Boy24 February 2015 at 06:04

      (Hmm, better sound sociable here ...)

      Hello Dakota, pull up a couch, I mean a chair.

      Anyway, if you want to conduct a psychological experiment, why not check if some of our irrationalists-turned-sceptics have become more jolly, engaging people since they saw the light?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous24 February 2015 at 07:43

      I put these outbursts down to frustration. People knowing underneath that they are just chasing rainbows.

      Delete
    3. trevorthecat24 February 2015 at 10:59

      I think a study into the correlation between trolling websites and social disfunction would be more apt ;-)

      Delete
    4. Jenny Haniver24 February 2015 at 13:52

      Trevorthecat, you've hit on a cultural phenomenon that's intrigued me for some time: "trolling". The word has taken on all kinds of meanings in recent years, when it originally referred (in its internet context) to people who anonymously posted outrageous or deliberately provocative beliefs/stories purely to gain a reaction (rather than because they believed what they were typing).

      Living in Scotland, I've seen the word come to refer to "anyone the accuser disagrees with online". This was particularly prevalent in the run-up to the referendum, when many non-anonymous advocates of independence were labelled "trolls" by papers like the Daily Mail, purely to delegitimise the movement. It works both ways of course, and one can see Labour, Tory and SNP supporters alike labelled "trolls" if they question the opposing party, however ingenuously.

      Trolling websites, in its pure and original sense, however, is a real 21st-century phenomenon. What draws people to wind up strangers on the Internet? What leads people who presumably have otherwise normal lives to try and provoke reactions (usually negative) online? This is a real mystery. I've no doubt there's decent grounds for some aspiring academic's postdoctoral research in it.

      Delete
    5. Geordie Sceptic24 February 2015 at 14:39

      I think one man's opinion is another man's trolling. I've had what I consider mindless, provocative snarling comments directed to me by anonymous and pseudonym contributors. I don't consider that to be trolling. My definition of trolling is the really vicious vindictive stuff you hear about, such as the mocking of people caught up in some real tragedy. Calling me an idiot does not fit that category. Equally, me challenging the monster fans is not trolling.

      So for once I agree with Jenny Braveheart Haniver! :-)

      Delete
  10. trevorthecat25 February 2015 at 02:53

    My trolling dig was a wee bit tongue-in-cheek.

    It was directed at Dakota, on the assumption that his/her post was a dig at the patrons of this fine blog.

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    1. Geordie Sceptic25 February 2015 at 03:53

      I know, but the T word has been fired at me a few times here in the past. Like JH says, it is now used at times to weaken the position of a person who is merely posting a different opinion.

      My view has always been that anyone who tries to shoo me away from here has very little confidence in the pro-Nessie arguments. We should all be welcoming questions and challenges to our beliefs. I certainly do.

      Delete
    2. Glasgow Boy25 February 2015 at 03:56

      Not when they are endlessly revisited, there is no agreement to disagree and they clog up comment sections.

      Delete
    3. Geordie Sceptic25 February 2015 at 04:58

      GB, I hear you, but it's surely not that simple all the time. Many new articles will generate discussion on the old questions, because they will often still apply.

      Imagine if this coming summer we heard of a report of 50 people in a pleasure cruiser witnessing Nessie 50 yards away for 2 minutes, and there were no photos or videos. Would you seriously expect people to steer clear of the old camera phone subject? Would you censor out such talk and tell people that it's already been covered elsewhere? I don't think that approach would work for anyone at all.

      So you get my point - the old problems do not go away, and they will at times be revisited. And surely that is only right? Let's discuss and debate it all, without shackles!

      Delete
  11. Stephen25 February 2015 at 23:33

    Have to say geordie is right on this one ( it pains me to admit ). New articles will bring up old ideas and arguments from both sides. Rightly so too. As people who believe something unusual is in there we cant shy away from the tough questions geordie and friends raise. We cant just say go away we want to talk about the shape of the monster. We're adults here ( mostly i think ) lets go through the process. Lets engage with sceptics valid questions. They may have been raised before but a new article might mean they are relevant again. We need reminding of the difficult facts such as no films of any note. I believe something is in there but Im not guarding that belief with a walled fortress to keep out the sceptics !!

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    1. Glasgow Boy26 February 2015 at 01:05

      I don't fear engagement, its just boredom is a killer. Some people restart arguments as if they had never been asked. It's almost like talking to someone with dementia who forgets what you told them previously.

      Delete
  12. Geordie Sceptic26 February 2015 at 02:27

    Some serious deleting seems to have happened overnight!

    GB, we really should meet at some point this year. If/when we do, I will give you a big, friendly man-hug!

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    1. Glasgow Boy26 February 2015 at 02:53

      Yeah, once some (inc me) had their say, I didn't see the point in certain sub-threads remaining. On topic stuff retained.

      Sure we can meet for a meet up, email me.


      Delete
    2. Geordie Sceptic26 February 2015 at 03:01

      Ok will do, GB. I have vague plans for a summer trip to Loch Lomond. Maybe if you're around at the time I could take a detour. I hear that you are a nice bloke when people meet you. Perhaps it's time I revealed my identity - you'll be amazed to find I don't have horns and a tail either.

      Delete
    3. Glasgow Boy26 February 2015 at 03:09

      You could take me to meet your proverbial granny without fear and trepidation.


      Delete
    4. John Alvarado26 February 2015 at 09:21

      Sounds like a plan! Will there be a pat down or a mediator? ;-)

      Delete
    5. John Alvarado26 February 2015 at 20:58

      I deleted my comments also Geordie, can I have one too?

      Delete
    6. Glasgow Boy27 February 2015 at 00:59

      Readers can delete their own comments (I think). Better self-regulation than moderator-regulation.

      Delete
    7. Geordie Sceptic27 February 2015 at 07:36

      John, by now you have probably realised that deletion of comments isn't at the top of my favourites list, but anyway, you seem a decent kind of bloke too. Maybe a US-style high five for you :-)

      I am unable to delete my comments - that seems to only work for those who post with a google account, as far as I can tell.

      Delete
    8. John Alvarado27 February 2015 at 07:48

      Fair enough, I'll settle for that. And since you plan on sticking around, no reason why we can't be on speaking terms. :-)

      Delete
  13. jake26 February 2015 at 03:32

    Hello again lads!!!! I will be in Loch ness in next couple of weeks if anyones about! Plenty of tennents in my fridge and a few bottles of whisky !i like a good natter on the mystery !! :)))

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    1. Glasgow Boy26 February 2015 at 03:34

      Can't see myself being there until May, but have fun and keep the camera primed!

      Delete
  14. jake26 February 2015 at 06:54

    Yeah GB my vid and camera will be left on standby seeing as we staying right on the loch. Great views and will be there at best times morning and evenings to keep an eye out on the water !!! :)

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    1. Glasgow Boy26 February 2015 at 06:55

      Bring it on!

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    2. trevorthecat26 February 2015 at 08:34

      Where are you staying, Jake? Sounds like one of the campsites.

      Choppy up here at the moment, very windy so not ideal Nessie spotting conditions.

      Delete
  15. jake26 February 2015 at 10:21

    Fort augustus cabin park Trevor

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  16. Geordie Sceptic26 February 2015 at 12:01

    Good to see Jake back. How are you these days?

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  17. jake26 February 2015 at 12:54

    Alright ta. Looking forward to my break in loch ness. If i get a sighting u will be first to know geordie :)

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    1. Geordie Sceptic26 February 2015 at 14:16

      Don't forget to avoid the shock and awe... we expect a video :-)

      Delete
  18. jake26 February 2015 at 23:07

    Well yes if something comes up when im at the cabin and my video is on table ready then good chance. But if im enjoying a beer on a cruise and least expecting it then i doubt it !!!!! :)

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  19. Geordie Sceptic27 February 2015 at 13:21

    Just to be clear... I am too clever to be "teased out", or tempted to go public via friendly comments and flattery. Oh no, if I go public it will be because I decide to. :-)

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  20. Tim18 March 2015 at 17:44

    Sceptic who is bothered about your identity? i have just seen you on lakemonsters facebook and you have not the balls to identify yourself on there. You hide behind your computer giving Glasgow boy grief: you claim nessie is nonsense but how many sites are you on ? Have you nothing better to do with your life? I bet you go on bigfoot sites also , maybe under a diffrent name. Lmao grow a pair boy and stop hiding behind your silly name GEORDIE SCEPTIC. You are ridiculous TIm

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