TAKING THE PLUNGE
Keen Killin fundraisers donned their wackiest outfits and braved cold waters when they took the plunge in aid of charity on Boxing Day.
A group of ten fearless individuals hurled themselves into the chilling River Lochay for the annual Boxing Day Fancy Dress Charity Dip.
Participants gathered outside the Killin Hotel in the early afternoon before splashdown. All money raised will go towards The Falls of Dochart Retirement Home and the PSPAssociation (for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy).
After drying off and warming up participants were invited into the Killin Hotel for some hot soup as a reward for their efforts.
The fundraiser was organised by Sarah Heward, owner at The Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum, and she had last year’s impressive total of £2500 in her sights.
She said:“We’re still counting the money, and donations are still coming in, but it’s looking like we’re going to be very close to last year’s amount.
“We’re pleased with the way it went, especially as the weather was so bad and the water was much colder than last year. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. It’s a good fun event and I’d like to thank everyone who was involved.
“Hopefully we can have even more people come along next year and raise even more money.”
Organisers were keen to thank all participants along with the local fire brigade for their help with ensuring health and safety.
A programme of special events will take place in the village to see out the old year and bring in the new one this weekend.
Tonight (Friday) Highland musicians Skipinnish will play a concert in McLaren Hall from 8.30pm. Tickets are available online or from Killin newsagents News Fire on Main Street.
And on Hogmanay a spectacular fireworks display is planned above the Falls of Dochart, organised by villager Charlie Grant. Killin folk have long said this display is longer and better than Edinburgh’s New Year pyrotechnics.
A New Year’s Day ceilidh will then take place in McLaren Hall at 7.30pm on Sunday, with tickets also available at News First.