A 40-year-old New Year’s Day tradition that sees swimmers brave a cold dip in the Firth of Forth has been cancelled for 2027 over safety concerns.
The popular Loony Dook event in South Queensferry is an annual charity event where fundraisers dress up and take the plunge in the cold waters to raise money for various charities on January 1.
But organisers said it would be “irresponsible” to carry on with the event which has seen numbers rise to dangerous levels putting people at risk of injury.
In a statement posted on social media, organiser Tony Pirouet said: “I now honestly feel the dook is becoming a safety issue due to its popularity and without safety measures being put in place, ie. road closures, safety fencing and marshalls, I feel it would be totally irresponsible of me and would feel so bad if there were any injuries to anyone.
“I personally did not have any kind of funding whatsoever the past four or five years I have arranged the loony dook.
“It’s been put together from a small team of amazing people and organisations.”
Paying thanks to those who have attended the event over its long history, including its fantastic piper and highlighting the support from RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat, he confirmed the dook will return in 2028.
Tony added: “Due to a chat with a mystery man, I’m happy to announce Loony Dook 2028 shall return to Queensferry.
“Time and tide is against us to get everything in place in eight weeks unfortunately for dook 2027. So, we shall take a year out.
“But, that famous saying…I’ll be back. Have an amazing Christmas & New year 2027.”