Update on uncertain future of Burghead Boxing Day Swim
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UNCERTAINTY is surrounding the future of this year’s Burghead Boxing Day Swim.
President Jamie Campbell announced on Tuesday the annual event, which last year raised £21,500, had been cancelled and blamed “penny-pinching” and a “lack of communication” from Moray Council.
The council introduced a levy in February, meaning a fee of £100 has to be paid for use of the harbour. Event organisers, though, are strongly opposed to paying. A meeting to discuss scrapping the levy is scheduled for November 27, which the committee believe is too late.
However, council leader Graham Leadbitter has since been in touch to explain, among other things, why that meeting is at the end of November and more news on the future of the swim is now expected on Monday.
Mr Campbell said: “The swim is still off, but things are looking more positive than they were. The council leader (Graham Leadbitter) has been in contact and explained a few things, and all we are asking is for them to be clear with us.
“We really want the swim to go ahead and if the council change their position enough we can get it on.”
Earlier this week, two local businesses – Gleaner Oils and Carmichael Flooring – stepped forward offering to pay the £100 fee. Despite appreciating the offer, Mr Campbell said the event would be cancelled as the funding was not sustainable.
He added: “We are very grateful to the businesses willing to donate but it is £100 this year and the money might not be there next year. The levy might be more than £100. People are saying we should take the money and fight next year, but that wouldn’t leave us a leg to stand on.”
The annual swim is in its 34th year, and has raised around a quarter of a million pounds for local charities since it began. This year’s charities were set to be Marie Curie, Keiran’s Legacy and the Burghead Sub Aqua Club.
Ros Lewis, chairwoman of the local Marie Curie group, said: “We are very honoured to be picked as one of the charity partners and we hope the event goes ahead. If you start charging for charity events then who knows where we go from there.”
Sandra MckAndie, chairwoman of Keiran’s Legacy, added: “We are aiming to make £21,000 for Keiran's 21st birthday in June and this would go a long way to achieving that. It is just massive for us and it would be gutting if it was cancelled now.”
A council spokesperson said: “Councillors agreed in February to levy a £100 charge for community and charity events at Moray Council’s six harbours. This is a flat fee and goes towards recovering the cost of staff time involved in preparation.
“Officers are required to prepare or review risk assessments, check all necessary insurances are in place, ensure safety requirements are met, and safe access and parking is available.
“A notice of motion has been tabled to be considered at full council on November 27, this being the first appropriate meeting to which a motion could be brought forward for consideration. There will be no steps taken to recover the fee before the motion has been considered.”
Moray MP Douglas Ross has called for an emergency council meeting to be held as soon as possible to discuss scrapping the fee.
