Organisers all set for 35th Burghead Boxing Day Swim
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THE organisers of the Burghead Boxing Day Swim are all set to hold the 35th annual charity harbour jump this Sunday.
Sixty hardy souls braved the icy-cold water of Burghead Harbour when the event was last held on Boxing Day 2019.
Burghead Boxing Day Swim president Jamie Campbell is anticipating a more low-key event this year, with fewer entrants and spectators.
The event will be live-streamed, however, to ensure people can still enjoy the day and to reduce the number turning out in person after the latest Scottish Government pandemic rule to cap outdoor public events to 500 from December 26.
Jamie said: "We anticipate a crowd of much less than 500 people and so we aim to continue with our Swim.
"We would ask that those attending wear a face covering and stand one metre apart from those not attending with them.
"We must stress that for those taking part there are measures in place to keep everyone safe, and for anyone who attends, it is your decision to attend."
The event has raised upwards of £250,000 for Moray-linked causes over the years.
This year's charity beneficiaries are Burghead Christmas Lights, Burghead in Bloom, BALL group Burghead and Burghead Community Hall.
Jamie added: "Our chosen charities have been kept local this year. The swim originated in Burghead and the support from villagers is a major reason we're still going after all these years.
"We looked at what had happened over the past year and a lot of groups have really struggled with funding and some groups have had no funding. That's why we stuck to Burghead-based organisations. It was difficult to narrow it down to four as it's been such a difficult year for everybody."
Burghead Coastal Rowing Club will be there on the day selling hot drinks and soup.
Registration for swimmers is from noon on Sunday, December 26, with the first swimmer making a splash at 2.30pm.
Sponsor forms are available to download from the Burghead Boxing Day Swim website.
