Businessman steps in to pay charge on charity swim
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A LOCAL businessman has offered to stump up the licence fee for Burghead's Boxing Day Dip after outcry over charges imposed by Moray Council.
The council was widely criticised on social media at the end of September after organisers of the swim – which has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds over the years for local charities – said they would have to look at the viability of the event as a result of the charging policy.
A post on Facebook from the organisers expressing their disappointment prompted a surge of public support. Though only around £100, swim president Jamie Campbell said it was the principle of the charge which prompted them to speak out.
Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross said then that to "plunder the funds" was a desperate move.
Despite hopes of a dispensation for the harbour dip, which is in its 34th year, the charge still stands.
Mr Ross said today: "After I saw the posts on social media relating to these unwanted charges, I wrote to the chief executive of Moray Council, highlighting that these charges were not acceptable as they would directly impact on the funds raised for many local charities.
"I had hoped this issue may have been resolved at a recent council meeting – but sadly this charge is still hanging over the organisers.
"As a result of the publicity surrounding this, I was contacted by a generous constituent, Stephen Scott, who has said they will pay any licence fee required to allow the organisers to hold this very successful annual event and ensure all the monies raised go to good causes.
"The fact that Moray Council would consider plundering the funds raised by a charity to fill their coffers because of a shortfall in funding from the SNP Government is inexcusable.
"I’m just delighted that as a direct result of the kind and thoughtful attitude of Mr Scott, this great community event can continue as normal."
Mr Scott, of Gleaner Ltd in Elgin, said: "Gleaner is delighted to help the organisers of this magnificent event continue to hold the Burghead Boxing Day Dip, which raises funds for so many worthy causes.
"It is events such as these that help cement communities together and at the same time allow us better to help those in need."
