Continuum: group which runs York's Chocolate Story to take over Scotland's Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition

The transformation will focus on telling the story behind the legend of Loch Ness, exploring both the myths and scientific research that has turned Nessie into one of Scotland’s most famous brand icons.

Juliana Delaney, chief executive of Continuum Attractions, said: “Continuum tells the real stories in real places about real people. The search for Nessie encapsulates all three.

"Having had tremendous success with the award-winning Real Mary King’s Close on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, I was keen to seek out another great Scottish story to tell. We found it on Loch Ness.

"This is a magical place - it could be our Jurassic Park, and if a monster hasn’t been found here yet, this is the place in which it will be discovered.”

The major refurbishment of the visitor experience will take 12 weeks to complete with a newly named The Loch Ness Centre reopening in Spring 2023.

The new Loch Ness Centre will become the 8th attraction within the Continuum UK-wide portfolio, sitting alongside other attractions such as; The Real Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh, Emmerdale Village Tour in Leeds, Coronation Street The Tour in Manchester, and Castle and Prison in Oxford.

Continuum’s new investment hopes to further unlock the mysteries and history of the world-famous destination and its many year-round activities and attractions.

Outgoing managing director, Robert Bremner, added: “This is an exciting time for the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. Retaining the authenticity of the attraction was always our priority and we know we’re in safe hands working with the award-winning team at Continuum.”