The Loch Ness Monster is worth nearly £41million (R795 million) a year to the Scottish economy, research shows.
The total is £11million (R213 million) more than the previous estimate, which was compiled four years ago.
Gary Campbell, a chartered accountant, carried out the study using recent visitor figures for the Loch Ness area.
Mr Campbell said he analysed the number of people who visit attractions around the loch, as well as tourism spend on accommodation and food.
‘We then added in the day trippers and from this we conservatively estimate that the draw of the monster is adding £40.7million (R776 million) to the local economy each year,’ he added.
He said the ‘global brand recognition’ the legend brings ‘helps steer tourists not only into Scotland but to come north to Loch Ness’.
The monster, first sighted in 565AD, has already been spotted eight times this year, according to an official register.