Barrowsgate applauds the inventiveness of the Inverness publicity department in coming up with the idea of the Loch Ness Monster, to prolong the tourist season. He isn’t so sure about the local publican who offers a special 50% alcohol, “DT’s guaranteed” whisky blend that will allow you to see two monsters and other reptiles in assorted colours.
Context: Although the Loch Ness Monster was an accepted part of the mythology of the area, in 1933, a new road was completed along Loch Ness’ shore, affording drivers a clear view of the loch. On May 2, 1933, the Inverness Courier reported that a local couple claimed to have seen “an enormous animal rolling and plunging on the surface”. The story of the Loch Ness Monster became a media phenomenon, with London newspapers sending correspondents to Scotland and a circus offering a £20,000 reward for capture of the beast. After the 1933 sighting, interest steadily grew, especially after another couple claimed to have seen the beast on land, crossing the shore road.