Delegates from as far afield as Japan are flying to Scotland for Saturday's first formal gathering of Nessie hunters.

One of the most controversial debates will be on the famous - or infamous - Nessie photograph that became known as The Surgeon's Picture.

The best-known picture of Nessie

This classic image taken in 1934, showing what appeared to be a long serpent-like neck and head coming out of the water, was later proved to be a hoax.

But respected US cryptozoology researcher Richard Smith will argue that the evidence used to prove the alleged hoax may be flawed.

Gary Campbell, President of the Inverness-based Official Loch Ness Monster Fan Club said: "It should lead to a lively discussion.

"Richard's findings don't agree with the analysis carried out in 1994 so it might be that the surgeon's photo was real all along."

A sonar shows the steep banks of Loch Ness

The conference, "Loch Ness 1999, an International Cryptozoology Symposium", aims to find a new way forward in the search for creatures like the Loch Ness Monster and the Yeti.

Mr Campbell added: "I am delighted at the numbers coming for the conference. We have delegates attending from all over the world as well as a good turn out of local people as well."

Delegates will hear from top US Bigfoot author Loren Coleman and Professor Henry Bauer or Virginia State University.