A Loch Ness Monster hunter had a “chilling” encounter with the mythical creature. Clem Skelton found himself “surrounded by foamy water” as a huge hump shape pulled up alongside his boat. Born the son of a royal equerry in 1919, Skelton ran away from home at 14 to become an actor, later serving as a heroic RAF pilot and joining a religious order. In his later years, he developed a passion for the Loch Ness monster and spent time in Drumnadrochit trying to track down the elusive beast.
Skelton’s encounter with the creature occurred as he rowed across Loch Ness around midnight to service a camera on the other side. According to Alison, who still resides in Drumnadrochit, a hump shape larger than the boat emerged from the water, surrounded by foamy water. Sensibly, Skelton rowed away quickly from the encounter.
Following a suggestion from Alison’s sister-in-law, Skelton embarked on a writing career. Initially co-authoring Gothic romances with his wife under the pen name Abigail Clements, Skelton eventually penned his own novel, “Hardacre,” based on his life experiences in Yorkshire and his mother’s life. The book became a bestseller, leading to sequels and a series of historical novels centred around a Scottish Highland regiment.
Tragedy struck in the 1970s when Skelton was diagnosed with lung cancer, attributed to his heavy smoking. He passed away at 59 in February 1979. Despite his untimely death, Skelton’s works saw a revival in 2014, regaining bestseller status. His sons, Alasdair and Justin, expressed pleasure at the renewed interest in their father’s writing.
Skelton’s book, “Hardacre,” has been adapted into a Channel 5 drama titled “The Hardacres,” scheduled to air on Mondays at 9pm. The Loch Ness remains a popular hunting ground for those seeking the elusive monster. Hunters continue to flock to the Loch Ness in search of the mythical creature, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary beast.