Staff at the Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit have teamed up with the independent and voluntary research team Loch Ness Exploration (LNE) in an effort to "uncover the truth, 90 years after the famous sighting".

The surface water survey today and tomorrow has been billed as the largest of its kind since the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau (LNIB) studied the area for signs of the fabled Nessie in 1972.

Surveying equipment that has never been used on the loch before will be deployed to uncover the secrets of the mysterious waters.

This will include drones which will produce thermal images of the water from the air using infrared cameras, as it is believed observing heat from above could provide a crucial component for identifying any strange anomalies.

A hydrophone will also be used to detect acoustic signals under the water, listening for any Nessie-like calls, as well as other technology that could prove useful in the search.

How volunteers will help search

Budding monster hunters are invited to join the quest.

Volunteers will be asked to keep an eye out for any breaks in the water or any other inexplicable movements over the weekend.

Each morning, Alan McKenna from LNE will brief volunteers at the centre on what to look out for and how to record findings. There will also be a debrief in the afternoon to go through the day's events.

Mr McKenna said: "It's our hope to inspire a new generation of Loch Ness enthusiasts and by joining this large-scale surface watch, you'll have a real opportunity to personally contribute towards this fascinating mystery that has captivated so many people from around the world."

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The Loch Ness Centre is located at the old Drumnadrochit Hotel, where it is said manageress Aldie Mackay reported seeing a "water beast" in Loch Ness 90 years ago.

The story sparked a global and long-lasting fascination with finding the elusive monster, spawning hoaxes and hundreds of eyewitness accounts.

Numerous theories have been put forward over the years, including that the creature may have been a plesiosaur, a prehistoric marine reptile, a giant eel or even a swimming circus elephant.

Paul Nixon, general manager of the Loch Ness Centre, said: "We are guardians of this unique story, and as well as investing in creating an unforgettable experience for visitors, we are committed to helping continue the search and unveil the mysteries that lie underneath the waters of the famous loch.

"The weekend gives an opportunity to search the waters in a way that has never been done before, and we can't wait to see what we find."

Not only is Loch Ness perhaps the country's most well-known loch, but it is also Scotland's second deepest - after Loch Morar in the Highlands - and comes in at about 745ft at its deepest point.

Loch Ness is also Scotland's biggest loch by volume and contains more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.

It is about the same depth as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the towers of which sit at a height of 746ft above water.