A mystery 'creature' has been spotted in Killearn.

People in the west Stirlingshire village of Killearn could be giving Loch Ness a run for its money.

Main Street resident Jimmy Wright (66) snapped this odd sight while walking his son’s dog on Crow Hill - known locally as ‘the cowfield’.

Jimmy told the Observer: “I put it on Facebook - but I was taken aback at just how much response it received. It definitely has people talking.”

People have already likened it to part tortoise, part stoat and various other creatures.

“When I came towards it,” said Jimmy, who retired as an NHS general manager for mental health services in Glasgow in 2006, “I was struck by how prolific it was and took a picture. I thought it looked like a dinosaur. I have been up that way before but the sight was definitely unexpected. I put it on the Killearn For All Facebook page and the comments began.

“One resident, Mary Young, suggested we try to get someone to name it so I agreed to donate £100 to the charity of choice of the person who comes up with the name with the most ‘likes’.

“My cousin from Canada - who happens to be an ophthalmic optician - even commented three times.

“There have been lots of suggestions and Nessie Dorma seems to be ahead at the moment but more are coming in.

“At the end of the day if it gets people talking and gives everyone a bit of escape from all the bad news there seems to be at the moment then it’s all good. If it brightens up someone’s day and makes some money for charity all the better.”

Mary Young added: “We could reinvent Killearn on the strength of this wonderful sight, save the Black Bull and re-open the Spar as a Killearn Nessie Gift Shop!

“There have been quite a few names put forward so far but the competition will run until July 25 to give those on holiday a chance to see it and contribute.”