Loch Ness Monster gender row as new book portrays Nessie as male

11 March 2024 , 15:54

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An alleged sighting of the legendary Loch Ness Monster [file image] (Image: Getty Images)

The 'Loch Ness Monster' is in a gender row after a new book portrays Nessie - as male.

American author Lana Ferguson has penned a romantic novel - a steamy fantasy romance story called 'Under Loch and Key'. Her story follows the journey of Keyanna "Key" MacKay, who travels to Scotland and meets Lachlan Greer, who shows her that "not all monsters are her enemy."

But controversy came after a TikTok user shared a picture of the book's cover on her account. The cover shows an illustration of a woman on the shore being kissed by a kilted man - with his shadow appearing to take the shape of the Loch Ness Monster. But the book's depiction has already sparked some outrage as Nessie appears to be male.

The Loch Ness Monster has always been referred to as female - with even Visit Scotland and Visit Inverness Loch Ness both calling it 'she'. Hundreds of commenters expressed their shock. One wrote: "Isn't the loch ness monster a GIRL?" Someone added'' "Wait - Nessie is a woman." While another wrote: "My Scottish self is flabbergasted."

Another commenter said she "thought it was established knowledge that Nessie is a woman''. Another said: "What did they do to my girl?" One wrote: "I'm so confused.'' However, Nessie fans and book reviewers will have to wait to cast their verdict - as the book isn't set to release until December 3.

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The author and publisher have been approached for a comment.

Elizabeth Hunter