Flying the flag for the Ferry and the town’s community Loony Dook, which saw hundreds braving the water to start the year with a brisk dip in the Forth. I guess it’s one way to chase away the hangover!Flying the flag for the Ferry and the town’s community Loony Dook, which saw hundreds braving the water to start the year with a brisk dip in the Forth. I guess it’s one way to chase away the hangover!
Flying the flag for the Ferry and the town’s community Loony Dook, which saw hundreds braving the water to start the year with a brisk dip in the Forth. I guess it’s one way to chase away the hangover!

600 take to the water in the Ferry for the annual Loony Dook

The organiser of the community Loony Dook was delighted when 600 brave souls decided to jump into the Forth on New Year’s Day!

Having resurrected the event in 2023, Tony Pirouet was over the moon to see the number of dookers treble.

And while the funds are still being counted, some £1500 has been raised for the RNLI South Queensferry crew thanks to generous swimmers and around 2500 spectators.

They were certainly entertained as swimmers in a variety of costumes took the plunge.

There was even a proposal, with Gordon Fairbairn going down on one knee to ask Kitty Ellison to marry him – she said yes! Congratulations!

Tony said: “There was an incredible atmosphere and we were really lucky with the weather as it was dry and not too cold.

“We had a wee bit of a bottleneck on the boathouse steps, though, so next year – we will be back – we’re going to assemble on the beach to ensure everyone is safe and sound.

“It’s brilliant to see the Dook get back to its community roots and a lot of people said it’s the best one they’ve attended. I’ll take that.”

Tony would like to thank everyone who supported the event, be they taking part or spectacting.

He’d also like to thank the RNLI crew who were out on exercise.

Special thanks also to Roz Haughey from Queensferry Bakes and Cakes, Tesco for supplying fruit, Shona Lessles and her employer JB Foods for donating £100 for pies and soup and Craig Maison from event specialist MX Medical Ltd.

To donate to the RNLI fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/page/queensferryloonydook.

Local photographer Alistair Pryde was on hand to capture the action from this year’s event – thanks Alistair, Happy New Year!

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