Chilly start to 2022 as Loony Dook returns

HARDY swimmers will again welcome in the new year by braving the icy waters of the Firth of

Forth as the annual Loony Dook returns to South Queensferry.

Hundreds of people join the event each year, which sees dippers raise money for charity by wading into the sea by the Forth bridges on January 1, dressed in a variety of colourful outfits.

This year’s event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic but organisers have announced its return for 2022, with tickets now on sale.

The Loony Dook, which has been running since 1987, is part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, with each ticket sold seeing a donation go to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Kirstin Heggie, owner of the Allium Gift Shop in South Queensferry, said: “The Loony Dook is a fantastic event for South Queensferry because it brings so many visitors to our little town.

“It is lovely to see lots of new faces every year and also great welcoming back the old familiar ones.”

Moira Cunningham, owner of the Ravenous Beastie guest house, said: “Everyone in South Queensferry is so happy about the Loony Dook being back and the buzz it brings to the community every year.

“It is such a joyful and fun occasion and a special way to mark the start of a new year ahead of us.”

Live entertainment company Underbelly is organising the event.

Co-directors Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “The community of South Queensferry have asked us to help them organise this much-loved tradition on the Firth of Forth.

“There is no better or refreshing way to start the new year, so grab your costume and come for a dip.”

David Smart, from the RNLI, said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay kindly donates £1 from every ticket bought for the Loony Dook to the RNLI.

“The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea, so the support of all donations means the RNLI crews can save lives quickly, safely and effectively. As always, we are incredibly grateful to everyone for their support.”

Donald Wilson, an Edinburgh city councillor, said he would be taking part and the “highlight in many people’s festive calendars” would be “as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone”.