Sandside Bay in Thurso has been the site of a most unusual and intriguing sighting. In 1798 a local schoolmaster named William Munro claimed to have seen a naked woman combing her hair on a rock in the bay. The woman was said to have been a mermaid-like creature. Munro watched her for a few minutes before she dived under the water and vanished. This strange encounter has been documented as a cryptozoological sighting.

Historical records from the late 18th century provide context for this unusual sighting. During this time, the Highlands of Scotland were a place of great natural beauty and mystery. The story of William Munro's encounter with the naked mermaid has been passed down through local folklore. While the details of the sighting are limited, it remains one of the most well-known cryptozoological accounts from the region. The incident was documented as a genuine experience by a credible witness.