Nessie hunters have come across something in the deep of Loch Ness but it's not the monster they were looking for. 

A robot used to scan the lake for the monster instead found a model of it at the bottom of the lake. It is thought the prop was used in the 1970 Billy Wilder film The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes. The 30-foot long model was most likely disposed of in the lake after filming was complete. 

A spokesman for VisitScotland, which is supporting the project, said: "Operation Groundtruth has uncovered a recognisable creature. Although it is the shape of Nessie, it is not the remains of the monster that has mystified the world for 80 years, but a star of the silver screen."

The model was found during a pioneering survey of the huge stretch of water – which some had hoped would find the real creature. However it appears the survey will just dampen hopes that a monster will ever be found.

The discovery of the model reflects the plot of the film which starred Christopher Lee and included a monster that turned out to be a hidden naval submarine.

Via The Independent