The parade crowd at The Loony Dook (Photo Lloyd Smith)
When: 1st January 2013
Where: Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland
£: Free to watch (to take part in the Dook there is a £7 registration fee which includes a donation to the RNLI)
What is it?
Since 1987 a large amount of wacky people have taken an annual plunge in the River Forth near the famous bridge. Mainly donned in fancy dress, people come from all over to take part in this quirky celebration of New Year.
The Loony Dook first began when two men in the bar of The Moorings decided to do something different to celebrate the New Year (and perhaps clear their hangovers at the same time). Some of the locals decided to join in and so the crazy custom was born.
The Loony Dook is a quirky part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (Photo Lloyd Smith)
Today there are usually around 1000 brave participants as well as around 400 onlookers. It all kicks off with the Dookers Parade along the High Street which begins 1.30pm before the participants head down to the beach and the Dooking area to take the plunge. You can cheer the Dookers on along Queensferry High Street including the pier and beach, but you are recommended to arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
More info: www.theloonydook.co.uk