Sixty take plunge in annual Burghead harbour jump
SIXTY hardy souls braved the icy-cold water of Burghead Harbour this Boxing Day in the annual charity jump.
Around 1000 people perched on rocks and crammed the harbourside mid-afternoon to get a glimpse of jumpers lined up for the 34th Burghead Boxing Day Swim.
Keiran's Legacy, Marie Curie and Burghead Sub Aqua Club are this year's charity beneficiaries.
Burghead Boxing Day Swim president Jamie Campbell said today after the last jumpers had made a splash: "We had a quick count before we came out and the swimmers have handed in £7000. There's still all the money from the collection buckets to come in yet, and the rest of the sponsorship money, so we expect that to go up by quite a bit yet.
"We're very grateful to everyone who has turned out to watch the swim today. We've probably got about 1000 folk, which is brilliant.
"I've jumped before – so I know how they feel. They got a great day for it – it couldn't have went better really."
First challengers of the day were Moray's own Ben Rinnes 2019 team – Cameron Mackintosh, Peter Duggie, Gary Ewen and John Norman – who back in July raised more than £20,000 for youngsters battling cancer in their quest to complete 20 back-to-back ascents of the region’s highest peak in 48 hours.
Cameron said: "Peter, who is of Burghead origin, decided it would be a good idea to finish off the year by doing this as a team. It was his bright idea. He worked on us one by one.
"It was good going first and getting it out of the way – and then watching everybody else. It was great fun though. It's always the thought that's worse than the actual reality."
Daniel and Matthew Hunt, from London, were "roped in" to taking part in the dip while visiting their mum in Burghead over Christmas.
Daniel said of his first jump: "When we said we were coming up for Christmas, mum said, 'so do you want to jump in the harbour?' I said, 'hmm, I suppose so'."
The duo said it was much colder than expected.
Fourth-time jumpers Nadine and Richard Urquhart, from Roseisle, took part to help boost Keiran's Legacy. Nadine said: "Some of our friends knew Keiran and one of them was riding with him on the day he died.
"It's just such a fantastic charity which is literally saving lives. I love the fact that this raises cash for local charities.
"What better way to sober up and feel energized after being really lazy at Christmas?"
Niamh Taylor, from Keith, took part for the first time along with Kelly Munro, from Fochabers. Niamh said: "It was a bit of a shock but I'm so glad I did it. The whole walk to the harbour I thought I might back out – but you've got everyone else going along with you so it keeps you going."
Rhianne Thomas had major second thoughts about taking part as she reached the harbour edge – but summoned up her resolve with some coaxing to take the plunge alongside Tom Doney.
Tom, originally from Elgin and now a teacher in Peterhead, jumped for Keiran's Legacy. Keiran was a friend of his brother's. Second-time jumper Tom said: "Last time there was ice floating in the sea. It was a very cold winter. Today was a bit milder – but it was still pretty cold. It's quite a shock when you hit the water."
The swim has now raised more than £250,000 for charities over the years, with all the cash put towards Moray-linked causes.