The Loch Ness monster could soon end up without a habitat as the current dry weather continues, leading to the levels of water in the loch becoming very low.
OK, so we can pretty well agree that the Loch Ness Monster is just a thing that keeps people buying wee souvenirs in the area, but there is a serious side to this piece, and an important message.
As you’ve probably noticed, there hasn’t been much rain to go around in the UK of late, with a long sunny and dry spell continuing through this weekend for most.
That’s brilliant for people who want to enjoy the weather and get outside, perhaps even sit in a beer garden for a couple of hours.
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But, it’s not so great for some others, and that might just be a bit more important.
Farmers, for example.
They need water for their work, and if there’s not as much fresh water knocking about, then there’s going to be real trouble.
Yesterday (10 June), temperatures hit 30C, and concern is mounting over the seriously low levels of water in Loch Ness and the River Ness, which feeds the loch.
Last month, the loch was at the lowest level since 1990, and it’s still in the ‘low’ category.
There have even been water scarcity alerts issued in some parts of the country by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
Loch Ness is - by volume - the largest body of water in the UK, so it’s a big deal.
It’s not just the weather that is causing concern, but also some hydroelectric power schemes that are in operation on the loch that could be contributing.
Brian Shaw, from the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board, said there’s been a ‘dramatic shrinkage in the size of the River Ness’.
Speaking with the BBC, he said: “These conditions are not normally good for angling.
“We're so early in the year - we're early summer - and already twice this year the River Ness has got to its lowest level at that particular time of year on record.”
That has led to a ‘huge amount of concern’ about the overall health of the river.
Adrian Shine, an expert on the loch and designer of the Loch Ness Exhibition, added: “I cannot remember the water levels in Loch Ness being so low as they are now, since 1989.
“I think it's most notable in Urquhart Bay.
“There's a smaller bay within that bay which is almost dry now and I don't recall that even in '89.”
The Highlands is currently at ‘significant risk’ of water scarcity because of the dry weather.
SEPA said that the levels around Loch Maree in Wester Ross are ‘extremely concerning’.
This scarcity is ‘expected to escalate quickly’, as well.
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, the head of water and planning at SEPA, said: “For the risk of water scarcity to have reached significant this early in the summer is extremely concerning and leaves no doubt that the next few months are going to be very challenging for all those who rely on the water environment to run their business.
“While water levels are critical in this part of the Highlands, we can see other areas of Scotland are on the same trajectory and it's vital that businesses take steps now to maximise the resource available and prevent further environmental harm.”
These problems, as with many problems around the world, are expected to get worse as climate change effects increase.
The problem could go well beyond the home of one fictional cryptic in the North of Scotland, unfortunately.
Topics: UK News, Weird, Environment, Loch Ness Monster
Tom Wood