Nessie on the Net

By BBC News Online Science Editor Dr David Whitehouse

There was a time when to catch a fleeting glimpse of the world's most mythical beast meant staying up all night suffering in the cold and rain on the banks of Loch Ness.

Not any more. Nessie watching can now be done on the Net.

From Monday, the chances of getting a glimpse of Nessie improve somewhat with the use of four Webcams trained on the legendary home of Nessie.

It has been heralded as a breakthrough for Nessie watchers. "This is a major breakthrough for Nessie fans world-wide. If they do spot something on the water, they can grab a picture on their screens," said Gary Campbell president of the Official Loch Ness Monster Fan Club.

Four Webcams survey the loch's dark waters and relay their signals to the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre at nearby Drumnadrochit. Images are updated every two minutes.

The cameras have been positioned to look over the area of the loch where the monster has been most often seen. One is pointing over the deepest areas of the loch.

"With the Nessiecam trained over the loch we will soon have definite proof that Nessie exists," said Mr Campbell.