Wild Dookers enjoy New Year's swim in Banff
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MORE than 60 wild swimmers took part in a New Year's dip in Banff on Sunday.
Members of the group Wild Dookers brushed off the post-festive blues to hit the water at lunchtime on the second day of the year.
Emma Williams, from Keith, set up the group in April, and has been amazed with the speed at which it has grown.
The New Year's dip also exceeded expectation. She said: "We have more than 700 members now, including 100 who joined over New Year.
"But I was amazed with the number that turned up for this swim. There are a few people wanting to try something new at this time of year.
"The weather made it a really good day. The sea temperature was 7.4 degrees and it was nine degrees out of the water. We had a camp fire on the beach after."
Emma started the group to help with her own mental health and it has since opened many doors for her – including one to a new line of employment.
She has recently started a new job as a safety officer with the RNLI, based in Buckie.
"The year was a total whirlwind, from setting up the group to being employed by the RNLI as a water safety officer," she said.
"Word of the group is spreading and there's a real mix of ages.
"The feedback is heart-warming. So many friendships have been struck up and a lot folk who were struggling have been helped."
The group meet twice a week in summer and once a week in winter, usually swimming in Cullen or Banff, and often raise funds for charity.
To join the group, search Wild Dookers on Facebook.
