Loch Ness and the Nessie phenomenon are viewed as being worth millions of pounds to the Scottish economy and the man dubbed as Mr Loch Ness is not deterred by the findings and the effects this could have on the tourism industry in the area.
Willie Cameron, director of the Cobbs group, which has various tourist attractions along Loch Ness, said: “The major statement of the whole lot was about this sample of water regarding DNA that Professor Gemmell took and, at the end of the day, he has said that if there is a monster there, he didn’t find it.
“You are talking about a massive, massive expanse of water. As far as I am concerned, I think the study was relative to the biodiversity of the loch far more so than finding out whether the Loch Ness monster was there, or not there.
“At the end the day, it is a win-win situation as far as the commercial businesses of Loch Ness are concerned because this publicity on the back of this biodiversity study has gone global and viral.
“With the power of social media today, it takes it to all corners of the earth and people who did not know about the Loch Ness phenomenon mystery are now well aware.
“It is a great study that has been done and I am absolutely delighted, but it is going to take a lot more than Professor Neil Gemmell to turn round and say that there is not a monster in Loch Ness.
“I believe there is something out there, I am not saying there is a monster but I believe there is something most peculiar out there in Loch Ness. I know far too many people who are totally genuine who have seen something in the loch.
“It is going to affect business, but it will increase business which is most welcomed.
“This will not have one iota of a difference on the story and the legend that is probably one of the greatest mysteries of the world as far as the animal kingdom is concerned.”
