photoThe Loony Dook takes place in South Queensferry on 1 January 2015. It is a hugely successful and popular event, but it desperately needs a sponsor who would give their name to the event and get worldwide coverage.

If you are a local business then this might be what you need to kickstart your 2015 marketing campaign, and we are told that it will cost only £7,000.

Cllr Norman Work took part last year and raised £500 for charity

He really enjoyed the experience but said that it was pretty chilly! He is very keen that the event takes place this year and is working hard to find a new sponsor. Cllr Work said: “I had a great time last year. It is very cold and not for the faint-hearted, but it is a real achievement to do this on New Year’s Day. What better way to see in a New Year? I am sure there must be a potential sponsor out there who can ensure the future of the event and enable all the charity fundraising to go ahead this year.” 

If you are interested in the opportunity then contact Councillor Norman Work who represents South Queensferry as part of the Almond Ward.

Email him at Norman.Work@edinburgh.gov.uk

Loony DookIf you are a bit mad and want to usher in the New Year with a dip in the icy Forth then it will only cost you £9.00 to take part in the chilly swim.

The check-in is from 11.30am on the 1st January and the Parade takes place at 1.20pm with the actual swim or dook at 1.30. The timing of the event changes each year owing to the tide, and participants come and go, but the important thing is that the Loony Dook raises money for charity, and of course you can always just go along and watch.

If you are taking part then shoes are essential. You are invited to wear fancy dress (although remember it will get wet!) Finally bring a warm change of clothing. There are some encouraging photos on the Loony Dook Facebook page here.

Whether you are taking part or just spectating it might be breathtaking!

The Loony Dook, which this year is also supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, EventScotland and Scotland’s Winter Festivals, has been held at South Queensferry for 26 years and has been a core part of the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival for the last 5 years.

Over 1,000 ‘Dookers’, clad in fancy dress costumes ranging from the weird to the wonderful and cheered on by over 4,000 spectators, welcome in the New Year with a splash in the icy cold water of the River Forth in the shadow of the world-famous Forth Bridges.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised for charities through this event over the years, and 10% from each registration fee of £9 (including £1 booking fee) will be donated to the South Queensferry branch of the RNLI.

The Queensferry RNLI station is staffed entirely by volunteers who are always on hand to help make the Loony Dook a fun and safe event for everyone to enjoy.

Registration for entrants is now open here.

Thanks to Councillor Work for the photos.

 

 

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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