What does the cryptic crossword clue "Key figure in report of Nessie apparently (9)" mean?

The definition is "Key figure". The wordplay uses a homophone (sounds like). sounds like “loch’s myth” (Nessie apparently). The answer is LOCKSMITH.

Key figure in report of Nessie apparently (9)

Times Cryptic #29111 | 21 Across | 2024-12-27 flower