McTout blows on his bagpipes
Whilst Elspeth & Angus watch those notes
Go floating across the Waves.
Ferocious Ness appears at once
And grabs a note or two for lunch
And the whole of the Family Ness is not too far behind
Sporty Ness leaps over him
Turns upside down and dives back in
And the beautiful Lovely Ness
Shows she’s the kissing kind!
Eyewit-Ness comes up for air
And taking notes without a care
He turns with a crash and a bash and a splash
To the Family Ness!
Classic BBC Opening Sequence
Secrets of the Loch
The Family Ness is a cherished 1980s animated series created by Peter Maddocks. The show follows the adventures of siblings Angus and Elspeth MacTout, who discover that Loch Ness is home to a whole community of “Nessies,” each with their own unique personality and pun-inspired name. From Ferocious Ness to Sporty Ness, the creatures are shy of humans but become fast friends with the children.
The theme song, featuring the iconic bagpipe motif of Mr. MacTout, captures the whimsical and quintessentially Scottish spirit of the series. The show remains a nostalgic staple for many who grew up watching BBC children’s programming in the mid-80s, remembered for its charming character designs and the “Thistle Whistle” used by the children to summon their monster friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the father of the children?
Mr. MacTout, who plays the bagpipes in the opening sequence, is the father of Angus and Elspeth. Ironically, he is a “Nessie hunter” but never actually sees one.
What was the “Thistle Whistle”?
It was a special whistle given to Angus and Elspeth that allowed them to call the Nessies whenever they needed help or wanted to play.
Was there a book series?
Yes, the series was based on the books by Peter Maddocks, who also created *Jimbo and the Jet-Set* and *Penny Crayon*.
