PICTURES: Crowds watch dozens brave Burghead Boxing Day Swim in Moray
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HARDY swimmers again bested the cold waters of Burghead Harbour, at today's Boxing Day Swim.
And a surge in support saw nearly 60 take on the challenge for 2023, said organiser Jamie Campbell.
Brave jumpers raised "quite a few thousand" for RNLI Buckie, Erskine Forres and the Moray Voluntary Befriending Service, he said, by battling the Broch's waters in all types of attire.
Some of the 58 opted for a minimalist, trunks-only approach and others went the extra mile by donning costumes.
Alongside elves and Santa Claus, the entire cast of Super Mario Bros plunged into the water – as did a frog, who hopped off after scaling the ladder marking the swim's end.
Conditions for the jump were cold and windy and waves crashed over the sea wall, though it stayed bright and mostly dry.
A rainbow, right on cue, appeared shortly after Rob Downie, Anne-Marie Downie and Lynne Strachan became the first swimmers to jump in at 2.30pm.
“It's not as cold as last year, but it has still been a really cold swim," Mr Campbell said.
“There were 58 swimmers in the end, which was a lot more than we had last year.
“We're really pleased, and it's a great turnout from the crowd as well. There must have been a few hundred people here.
“We're very lucky and we're just grateful that everybody comes through to support us."
Mr Campbell also thanked those who helped get this year's swim off the ground and make it such a success.
Along with groups involved in technical and safety support, Burghead Coastal Rowing Club was on hand to provide hot drinks and soups from their harbour-side tent.
“A lot of work goes into it," he said.
“So we are very grateful to everybody who does their bit, because their support makes a huge difference every year.
“We've got a lot of support from Burghead in general, and from Dan Ralph and George, who set up the sound system.
“Burghead Sub Aqua Club and Burghead Coastguard were also involved, really making sure the event goes well."
Those with personal stories behind tackling the swim were Mr Campbell's personal highlight, he said.
“I think whenever any of them dress up, or have stories behind jumping, that makes it a bit more special," he said.
“You can connect with it, and I think it allows people to donate when they know somebody or they just connect to somebody that's jumping for a reason."
He added: “And especially because you feel a bit cold just standing here, so you know it's even colder jumping in."
"And with the waves coming over the wall as well."
