WATCH: Why Moray folk took on Burghead's Boxing Day Swim 2023
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WE asked steely dookers, at Burghead's Boxing Day Swim, why they chose to take the festive plunge.
First-timers and veterans alike told us why they got involved: as a tribute to a young family member who died only a month prior; to mark a beloved grandmother's milestone birthday – or just as a excuse to dress up.
Those taking on the jump and tough cross-harbour swim raised thousands for RNLI Buckie, the Moray Voluntary Befriending Service and the Erskine veterans charity in Forres.
“Although I was brought up in Burghead I’d never, ever done it before."
Stephen Robertson and his family were jumping in memory of his nephew Scott Robertson.
Wearing t-shirts with a picture of the young man who passed away recently, it was the first time for everyone on the five-strong team.
“Oh gee, it's the first time for us all," Stephen said.
“We've all done it in the memory of Scott Robertson, my nephew.
“He just died suddenly, a month ago."
Stephen was joined by Scott Allan, Andrew Robertson, Hannah Reid and Chloe Reid, raising almost £900 between them.
“Although I was brought up in Burghead I’d never, ever done it before," Stephen said.
“Gee, it is really mad – but brilliant.
“It's all that adrenaline, isn't it?
“I'd recommend anyone to do it. Definitely, aye."
“We've joked for years and years that we would do it, so we thought: 'Right, now she's 70 we have to just do it.'
First jumper Anne-Marie Downie leapt in by husband Rob Downie and Lynne Strachan.
Dressed as an elf, she was part of a team of 11 taking on the jump which included her brother-in-law Eric Downie and her son Joe Downie.
All from Elgin, family and friends came together to honour Anne-Marie's mother-in-law Moira Downie – who turned 70 on Boxing Day – with their festive plunge.
“It's my mother-in-law's birthday today," Anne-Marie said.
“We've joked for years and years that we would do it, so we thought: 'Right, now she's 70 we have to just do it.'
“So we did.
“But yeah – it was worse than I thought it was going to be."
However, despite struggling with the uncompromising conditions, the first-timer said the positive atmosphere and being the first in helped her endure the swim.
“The atmosphere up at the briefing was brilliant," she said.
"See, going first was the best way to do it.
“When I was in the water – oh yeah – that was rough. Aye – it was cold.
"Trying to get to the other side, that was hard going.
“But it was the adrenaline, and the atmosphere, that made the difference."
Anne-Marie said that the group's tribute to Moira had raised more than £1200.
“We're really pleased with that," she said.
“It's just been a whole big family affair.”
“Last year it was a crocodile but that costume had a sponge head, and it became like an anchor."
Douglas Jarvie jumped into the waters of Burghead Harbour in a frog costume.
After swimming across the harbour, and scaling the ladder marking the ordeal's end, he hopped off towards the village.
Asked why he chose his outfit, he said: “Well, it's a harbour and frogs like the water, so..."
Douglas, originally from Dundee but having lived in Burghead for 14 years, added: “Last year it was a crocodile but that costume had a sponge head, and it became like an anchor."
Having taken the plunge plenty of times, he said: “To be honest, I've always enjoyed doing it and there's always good charities to support.
“It's probably the second-best local tradition I've participated in, behind the Clavie obviously.
“You just get used to it and I think adding a comedy element adds to the fun."
He added: “Aye, I adore this local tradition. It's good fun."
