LISTEN: Nessie For 'Scotland's National Animal'?

A campaign's been launched to have the Loch Ness Monster recognised as the National Animal of Scotland.

Currently, Scotland’s National Animal is the unicorn – a legacy from William I’s decision to use the creature on his coat of arms.

However, the campaign led by leading Inverness cruise company – Loch Ness by Jacobite – is urging the public to support Nessie’s quest to be formally recognised as a more relevant National Animal of Scotland, or at least as the National Monster.

The first sighting of the Loch’s oldest inhabitant dates back to 565AD, and the age-old question that she may or may not still roam the Highland waters is worth millions to Scottish tourism annually.

Yesterday, internet giant Google launched its own quest to survey the waters of the great Monster,.

It is now hoped that the public will get behind Scotland’s most famous mythical creature, by signing a petition at which will be presented to the Scottish Government in an effort to secure Nessie a rightful place in the country’s legacy.

We speak to organiser Freda Newton about the campaign...

Freda Newton of Loch Ness by Jacobite said: “We have been running tours of Loch Ness for 40 years now, with many of our visitors coming to search for, or at least catch a glimpse of one of the world’s most famous monster.

“Nessie is an icon and an asset. There is no doubt she attracts hundreds of tourists to Scotland every year and she deserves recognition. If not as our National Animal, then at least she should be awarded the title of Scotland’s National Monster.”