Pictures: Brave Moray swimmers take on New Year's Day dip for charity
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ON New Year's Day more than 100 brave swimmers took a freezing cold dip into the icy waters of Hopeman's East Beach for the annual Hopeman Loony Dook.
The event, which helps raise funds for the village's Scout Group was back in full force for the first time since 2020 and proved popular, with 105 dookers taking a dip in the chilly 6°C water.
The Hopeman Loony Dook began as an impromptu gathering in 2018, but has taken on a life of it's own over the years. The voluntary donations on the day also help to fund trips and activities for Hopeman's Scouts.
Judith McCulley, the event's organiser said: "We had our first Hopeman Loony Dook on January 1st, 2018. I had done the Burghead Boxing Day jump six times, and some of my friends were keen to do something but were not happy jumping into deep water. I put a post out on Facebook to see if anyone wanted to join us. Twelve of us ended up going in the water that day.
"The following year it got a little bigger, then it really took off in 2020 when we had 152 dookers!"
Although the event was scaled back over recent years due to Covid-19 restrictions, the group decided to start the event again this year, to great delight of the attendees.
Judith said: "Everyone was really enthusiastic on the day, with all ages taking part. The great thing about the Dook is that people can do whatever they are comfortable with, be that dipping their toes in or having a full-on swim.
"Anything goes clothes-wise too - swimsuits, wetsuits, fancy dress, it’s completely up to the individuals taking part. All we ask is that people are aware of the dangers of winter swimming and take responsibility for themselves.
"There were some pretty big waves which added to the excitement, with lots of screaming and laughter from all!"
