The Loony Dook
The Loony Dook takes place on the first day of each new year. A brave few hundred people dress up in fancy dress and throw themselves into the freezing cold water of the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry, just a few miles out of the Scottish capital.
Some claim that the shock to the system of the Loony Dook is the perfect hangover cure after the excesses of the huge Hogmanay street party in Edinburgh of the night before.
With the skirl of bagpipes urging them on, the crowd of humanity makes a mad dash into the watter and (most of them) quickly retreat back to the bar. Some stay in much longer - up to half an hour.
In 2011, after the Loony Dook became part of the Edinburgh's Hogmanay programme organised by Unique Events, organisers introduced a "registration fee" of £6, rising to £7 in 2013.
Tickets can be bought at the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay ticket outlets before the day of the event. Registrations are on a first come, first serve basis and there is no registration on the day of the event.
Dook Time and the Tide
The Dook takes place at the Boathouse Steps in South Queensferry on 1st January close to noon, although times differ in years that tidal conditions are unfavourable. 2011 saw a 3pm start. In 2013, the parade is at 1.30pm with the Dook after the parade.
Dookers must buy tickets in advance and then check-in to the RNLI Lifeboat Station between 11am & 1pm on the day.
