Dip For Dosh dookers herald start of new year

Almost 50 men, women and children splashed into the chilly waters of Campbeltown Loch on January 1 for the seventh annual Dip For Dosh.

While the famous Firth of Forth Loony Dook at South

Queensferry, in which about 1,000 people participate each year, hit the headlines for charging participants £12 to take part, Campbeltown’s version is completely free.

There is no obligation but some people receive sponsorship for taking the plunge, and there are also collection buckets, which this year raised £418.

Awareness

The event, which encourages fancy dress, aims to raise awareness and funds for the regeneration of Dalintober Beach, from which the runners – this year dressed as candy canes, elves, bananas and dinosaurs, to name a few – entered the water.

After the dip, there was the usual soup, sandwiches, hot drinks, refreshments and an opportunity for a shower – always welcomed by those who took to the water – at Campbeltown Sailing Club.

Dalintober Beach Group chairman Jamie Maclean said: ‘There were lots of new faces this year, as well as the usual hardy dippers and, as always, a great turnout of supporters. It is a community event, not just about raising money, but also about doing something a bit different for community, and bringing people together on New Year’s Day.

‘The tide and weather were with us which makes all the difference too.

Thank you

‘Thank you to Campbeltown Sailing Club for the use of its premises, the RNLI, first aiders, safety support in the water, all helpers on the day, the Craigard Hotel and Jewson for their sponsorship, the public for supporting the event, and, of course, the participants.’

Three or four people have taken part in every dip so far – will you join them next year?

Some loony dookers wore fancy dress to take part in the seventh annual Dip For Dosh.

Many also wore wetsuits in a bid to combat the cold, but some hardy dippers wore nothing more than a swimsuit.

Whatever their attire, all dippers must have been glad of a hot shower after the New Year’s Day dip, which aims to raise funds and awareness for the regeneration of Dalintober Beach.

Here are some photographs taken by photographer Kenny Craig on the day – for the full story, turn to the back page.

KC_c02dipfordosh01 The hardy dippers stand on Dalintober Beach before taking the plunge.

KC_c02dipfordosh04 Millar and Murray Mackay, photographed with their mum Valerie and dad Donald, wrap up warmly after running into the chilly water.

KC_c02dipfordosh03 Nigel Ferguson and his daughter Sunny were all smiles after completing the dip.

KC_c02dipfordosh05 The dippers run into Campbeltown Loch from Dalintober Beach.

KC_c02dipfordosh11 Woolly hats and swimming costumes – the perfect combination for the Dip For Dosh!

KC_c02dipfordosh06 The loony dookers make a splash as they enter the water.

KC_c02dipfordosh13 The warm clothes worn by spectators demonstrated how chilly the conditions were.

Dalintober Beach Group chairman Jamie Maclean spent some time on Hogmanay clearing the beach of seaweed ahead of the dip. This is a before and after shot of the shore.

KC_c02dipfordosh07 Phil Edwards, second right, and David Miele, centre, who took part in the dip, pose for a photograph with supporters Raymond Harvey from the RNLI, Grace Nicoll and Yvonne Edwards.

KC_c02dipfordosh10 A group of dippers, some in fancy dress, others wearing traditional swimwear.

KC_c02dipfordosh08 Father and son dippers Daniel Fee, left, and David Fee, right, were supported by family members Susanna, Ineke, Saul, Angus and Milo.

KC_c02dipfordosh02 Dalintober Beach Group chairman Jamie Maclean emerges from the water dressed as a candy cane.

KC_c02dipfordosh09 Kelly Grogan, Campbell Ramsay and Aaron Croll before the dip.

KC_c02dipfordosh12 Even minimalist costumes were very effective.