Contrary Life

Contrary Life is a website covering quirky events across the UK.

  • Home
  • About
  • Events by region
    • North East
    • North West
    • Yorkshire
    • East Midlands
    • West Midlands
    • East
    • London
    • South East
    • South West
    • Scotland
    • Northern Ireland
    • Wales
Home > Alternative Sport > Take a look at The Loony Dook

Take a look at The Loony Dook

By Caroline King - December 27, 2012Posted in : Alternative Sport, FEATURED-STORIES

Edinburgh's Hogmanay - The Loony Dook (Photo Lloyd Smith)

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.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay - The Loony Dook (Photo Lloyd Smith)

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

Related Posts

  • It's time for tough guys in tweed as The Mighty Deerstalker returns

Tagged With: Edinburgh events, Edinburgh's Hogmanay, New Year events, Scotland, The Loony Dook, West Lothian events

Curiosity of the Week

The quirky wonders of Wigtown
Martyr's Stake in Wigtown

The annual Wigtown Book Festival opens this week. So, we thought it was a good time to take a look at this quirky Scottish town for our latest Curiosity of the Week…

Top Story

Solo cinema and scientific sounds at Flatpack Festival
Flatpack Festival 2022, Design by Keith Dodds and Illustration by Jacques Kleynhans

Flatpack Festival brings an eclectic mix of shows, screenings and activities that surprise and delight audiences to venues across Birmingham…

What are you looking for today?

  • Alternative Sport
  • Art
  • Cabaret and Circus
  • Cinema
  • Classes, Workshops & Talks
  • Club Night
  • Comedy
  • Dance
  • Exhibitions and Installations
  • Fairs and Markets
  • Festival
  • Food & Drink
  • Heritage and History
  • Interview
  • Literature
  • Museum
  • Music
  • Nature and Outdoors
  • Review
  • Science and Technology
  • Theatre
  • Walks and Tours

Sign up to our Newsletter

Copyright © 2022 · Contrary Life