Bessie of the Black Water: Nessie’s Highland Sister
An original Black Water River legend, told with affection and a little Highland mischief.
Every river deserves a mystery. Here at Black Water River, ours has a name.
Bessie.
You may already know her sister, Nessie, whose appearances at Loch Ness have kept cameras clicking and conversations flowing for generations. Bessie prefers the quieter life: running water, wooded banks and a comfortable distance from anyone carrying a television camera.
Her chosen home is the Black Water at Inchbae, where the river provides an excellent soundtrack for a creature who takes her privacy seriously.
And, occasionally, an excellent hiding place.
Bessie is best imagined appearing slowly. First comes a ripple travelling at a slightly unexpected angle. Then a dark curve breaks the surface, followed by another. Finally, a long neck rises above the water, and a small head turns towards the bank with the mildly offended expression of someone whose afternoon nap has been interrupted.
She has the dark colouring of wet Highland stone, a patient gaze and an impressive ability to disappear just as somebody says, “Quick—get your phone!”
This last talent appears to run in the family.
A River Monster with Standards
In our telling, Bessie chose Inchbae after deciding that a Highland river offered everything she required: scenery, seclusion and plenty of passing conversation to overhear.
She is particularly interested in discussions about the weather. Visitors who announce that it looks as though the rain might stop are said to attract her attention immediately. Bessie appreciates optimism.
She also takes a professional interest in fishing. Anyone spending an afternoon beside the water may wish to remember that an unexplained splash could have several perfectly ordinary causes.
Bessie would like it understood that she cannot be held responsible for every fish that gets away.
Family Matters
Having a famous sister brings its difficulties.
Nessie gets the documentaries, the souvenirs and the international attention. Bessie is content with a river of her own, although she reportedly feels that the family’s public image could do with a little more variety.
River monsters have ambitions too.
We like to think the sisters keep in touch through a system of mysterious ripples, significant splashes and messages that take rather longer to arrive than either would prefer. The details remain a family secret, as does the question of how Bessie manages her occasional visits.
Highland hospitality does, after all, include respecting a guest’s privacy.
Her First Appearance
Bessie has now made her screen debut in our Black Water River footage, lending her long neck and unmistakable silhouette to a playful glimpse of life beneath the surface.
It is the beginning of a story we hope will grow: a little local mischief for visitors to enjoy, children to imagine and adults to discuss with entirely unnecessary seriousness.
There are no ancient manuscripts behind this particular legend. Bessie is our own affectionate addition to the Black Water River family—and we think she looks very much at home.
Keep an Eye on the Water
When you visit Inchbae, spend a moment watching the river. Notice the shifting reflections, the movement around the stones and the way a familiar stretch of water changes with the light.
Perhaps a curious shape will catch your eye.
Perhaps it will be a branch.
Perhaps you will decide that some things are more enjoyable left unexplained.
And should a dark head rise briefly above the surface, a friendly nod will do nicely.
That’ll be Bessie. She lives here.
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