The Loony Dook, a quirky Scottish New Year's tradition, sees people plunge into freezing waters wearing outrageous costumes.
As Hogmanay begins, Scots all over the country are ready for 2025 to finally kick off. However, the poor weather has unfortunately put a damper on the festivities. As we previously reported, much of Edinburgh 's Hogmanay festivities were cancelled on Monday, including city's famous Street Party. However, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate the New Year.
Whether you are planning to ring in 2025 by eating a steak pie or taking part in first footing, we have plenty of weird and wonderful traditions here in Scotland. One unusual New Year's custom that is far more recent is the Loony Dook. Dating back to 1986, this annual event takes place on January 1 and sees people jump into freezing waters across the country wearing silly costumes. The Loony Dook began as a joke between three friends in South Queensferry just outside of Edinburgh. Struggling with Hogmanay hangovers, they all decided to clear their heads by diving into the Firth of Forth. It was so much fun that they did the same thing again the very next year, although this time they raised money for charity as well. From there, the Loony Dook continued to grow in popularity year on year. Before long, the event was added to the Edinburgh Hogmanay guide and even filmed by the BBC for its New Year coverage. After this, it exploded in popularity — with Scots across the country journeying to South Queensferry in their silliest costumes for an icy dip on January 1. In 2011, the Loony Dook was officially added to Edinburgh's Hogmanay schedule — with participants required to pay a registration fee. By this point, thousands of people took part each year. Nine years later, in 2020, the event was taken off of Edinburgh's Hogmanay official programme amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and complaints of over-commercialisation. However, the event continues to take place at South Queensferry without an entry fee — as well as other destinations such as Kirkcaldy and Helensburg
Loony Dook New Year's Traditions Scotland Edinburgh Hogmanay South Queensferry
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