Swimmers take plunge for charity

The event is now in its 15th year

Charity fundraisers braved freezing temperatures to dive into the icy waters of the Firth of Forth in Scotland.

About 60 People from across Scotland, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada took the plunge under the shadow of the world famous Forth Rail Bridge.

Many of the participants in the "Loony Dook" - now in its 15th year - raise money for local charities around the town of South Queensferry, just outside Edinburgh.

Some 200 spectators cheered on the participants as they rushed into the water at noon on New year's day, most of them then splashing about for some five minutes before returning to dry land.

It's good to raise money for the local community, although I suppose you have to be completely stupid to do it

Elliot Maison, charity swimmer

Among those taking part was Cameron MacQueen, 24, from Australia, who is travelling around Europe, and who arrived in Scotland a few days ago.

Speaking beforehand he said: "I've run into the Southern Ocean off Victoria before. I think it was winter then too and it was absolutely freezing, but this, this is just ridiculous.

"Someone set down the challenge so I had to do it."

The "dook" is also reputed to help cure the common New Year's Day headache.

Elliot Maison, a 29-year-old aircraft engineer from Edinburgh, was supping a pint of stout before taking part in his sixth dook to give him strength and "to lower my body temperature".

Dutch courage

Dressed in just a T-shirt and shorts, he took to the waters carrying a Saltire flag.

He said: "It's good to raise money for the local community, although I suppose you have to be completely stupid to do it.

"You get used to it, but you're still terrified before going in. Everyone has a few drinks beforehand for Dutch courage. I take Guinness, a Guinness Extra Cold to lower the body temperature.

It was cold but fun for those who took part

"The first two or three minutes are the worst, but then you tend to lose the feeling."

Remaining on dry land was one of the organisers, 55-year- old David Steel from South Queensferry, a veteran of three dooks, having last taken the plunge when he was 50.

He said: "Most of the people taking part raise money for local charities to help the elderly, children with disabilities, the local lifeboat and the church.

"Over the years we've raised about £40,000 for local charities.

"Many people just do it for fun, some wearing fancy dress. Everyone is in good form today. We've people from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany and France.

"It's a great way to cure a hangover, tremendous therapy, and a good way to welcome in the New Year."