Outrage as council to 'plunder' Boxing Day Swim
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ORGANISERS of a long-running Christmas harbour dip have been left dumbfounded by Moray Council's move to impose a charge.
The Burghead Boxing Day Swim, an event which has grown to become a well-supported coastal custom, has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds over the years for local charities.
A Facebook post from the charity's committee yesterday on the council's fee prompted a rash of outraged responses, with many seeking clarification on what the charge covered exactly.
A local MP said today that to "plunder" the funds of a local fundraising event was a desperate move by the council.
The council said the charge was unanimously voted through by all councillors at the budget meeting in February, and has been in effect since the start of the financial year.
The organisers said any charge would mean they would have to reconsider the financial viability of future Boxing Day swims.
It is believed the charge is only £100, but swim president Jamie Campbell said it was the principle and committee members were concerned what direction charges would take in future, adding: "We're actually helping the council by giving to causes that should be supported by the council, so it seems a bit unfair."
The organisers said in the post: "Following a committee meeting this evening it was announced that Moray Council will be introducing a charge for events such as our swim to take place at Burghead Harbour.
"To say we are shocked and disappointed is an understatement.
"We are in our 34th year and are into the hundreds and thousands of money raised for the benefit of those in Moray and beyond, charities and local causes, with not a penny going to anyone else’s pockets.
"We organise this event ourselves, from the divers to the first aid, the barriers, the insurance, risk assessment ... all of this is done by us so what are they charging us to do?
"We even tidy the harbour up after we are finished and everyone has left. We will have to review our position and make a decision based on the financial viability of the swim."
Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross has contacted Moray Council to seek clarification on the reports. Along with local Councillor James Allan and Scottish Conservative Group Leader Tim Eagle, the trio are requesting Moray Council reverse the decision to charge the charity.
Mr Ross said: "It’s clear from the number of local people who have contacted me and the reaction on social media that this charge must not be applied to such a popular annual event which raises so much money for good causes.
"This is an unacceptable move by the council and highlights just how desperate they have become when they plan on plundering the funds raised by the organisers of a charity which is more than three decades old and which last year alone raised nearly £10,000.
"Enough is enough and we urge to Moray Council to reverse this decision. This is the very clear message I put to them today when I contacted the local authority."
Mr Eagle said: "I am, of course, disappointed to learn that those who organise the Burghead Boxing Day Dip have been advised that they have to pay for using the harbour this year as a result of Moray Council new charging policies.
"After raising funds for many worthwhile causes over 30 years, I would have thought that a dispensation could have been made for this charitable event and I am working within the council to ensure these charges are not applied."
Mr Allan said: "This event has been a large success for over 30 years and that is down to the hard work, dedication and commitment of local volunteers. Their efforts are now under threat if Moray Council continues with their plans to impose these charges, which is why I am working with Douglas and Tim in an effort to prevent these charges being applied. I know I have the backing of the local community in Burghead and across Moray in seeking to have this event continue as normal without these charges being applied."
