New musical 'Nessie' premieres in Edinburgh, honoring Loch Ness

Loch Ness, Scotland's largest freshwater lake, is famous not just for its beauty but for the legendary Loch Ness Monster, affectionately called Nessie. The stories about Nessie make Loch Ness a key tourist attraction and inspire various forms of creativity, from songs to films. In a new twist, a family musical called Nessie, written by Shonagh Murray, is set to premiere soon in Edinburgh and Pitlochry. Murray initially hesitated to work on this familiar Scottish tale, but her father’s challenge motivated her to write. She found joy in creating a story that reflects the magic of Nessie. The legend of Nessie began in May 1933 when a couple claimed to see a large creature on the loch. Their sighting led to numerous reports and a wave of interest. Despite skepticism, some believe Nessie could be a dinosaur-like creature. The story grew, even linking Nessie to ancient tales about St. Columba, who supposedly faced an aquatic monster. Nessie has also inspired plenty of movies, starting with The Secret of the Loch in 1934. This film featured a young reporter trying to find the monster. It set the tone for many future films, often filled with stereotypes and outlandish claims. Films frequently caricature locals and feature outsiders trying to prove Nessie's existence. Murray’s musical expects to capture this Scottish charm authentically, mixing traditional folk music with theatrical elements. She aims to highlight the magic of the Loch, and her story includes a young girl who stands up for nature amidst adult skepticism. Nessie remains a popular subject in pop culture. Whether in cartoons, comedies, or documentaries like Werner Herzog's Incident at Loch Ness, the tension between belief and skepticism is a recurring theme. In all its forms, the legend serves as a reminder of the mysteries of the natural world.