The Loch Ness Monster is worth $54 million to the Scottish economy

Real or not, the Loch Ness Monster brings in $54 million to the Scottish economy each year, an increase of $14.4 million from four years ago. The data comes from accountant Gary Campbell who also happens to be the official keeper of the Nessie sightings register. From the UK Press and Journal:

"We analysed the number of people that visit the attractions around the loch, along with those who took to the water to try to get a closer look for Nessie and then took other research into tourism spend on overnight accommodation and food," said Mr Campbell.

"We then added in the day trippers and from this we conservatively estimate that the draw of the monster is adding 40.7m to the local economy each year...."

The research has been endorsed by tourism ambassador and director of Loch Ness Marketing, Willie Cameron.

"From my perspective and from the numbers and spend we see at the loch, I'd say that this is a very conservative estimate but at over 40m per annum, it shows that Scotland's rural economy can make a significant contribution to the health of the overall Scottish economy," he said.

Image: "The Surgeon's Photograph" of 1934, known to be a hoax.