Loch Ness 3D Experience

Opened in 2005, the Loch Ness 3D experience is a popular visitor attraction in Edinburgh, where the history and evidence behind one of Scotland’s most endearing myths is explored in an entertaining and visually appealing film. Adrian Shine, who heads the Loch Ness Project in Drumnadrochit and has been searching for the Loch Ness Monster for over 20 years, presents the film, describing the lake itself, eyewitness accounts, experiments and opinions with the added bonus of 3D effects.

The Loch Ness Monster was first brought to the public’s attention in the 1930s, when a number of sightings of a plesiosaur-type creature were reported along the shores of Loch Ness, becoming the subject of an article in the local newspaper. Since then many have claimed to have seen the creature, with the ‘animal’ gaining a nickname (‘Nessie’) and scientific name (Nessiteras rhombopteryx) without there being any concrete proof of its (or even their) existence.

Of course, as the film explains, there have been several attempts to document Nessie’s being, largely through out-of-focus photographs or grainy film footage. Unsurprisingly many of these have been proved to be fakes, or at best inconclusive. Surprisingly however, experiments using sonar have shown the presence of large bodies under the surface of the lake, without actually elucidating what these objects are…as yet.

The Loch Ness 3D Experience is an enjoyable family attraction, whether you believe in Nessie or think it is just a legend. There are shows less than every half hour, and audioguides are available in five different languages. The experience takes place in a cosy cinema, and the film is approximately 25 minutes long. Schools and groups can be accommodated with an advanced booking. Tickets cost £5.95 per adult, £3.95 per child (under 5s go free), and family and reduced rate tickets are available (prices subject to change).