A number of events were planned at beaches all along the Kingdom’s coast, with dooks at both Kinghorn and Kirkcaldy among them.
Those taking part donned swimwear and fancy dress before going for a ‘refreshing’ dip in the Forth to mark the start of the new year.
In Kirkcaldy, Jimmy Bonner from the town’s rugby club organised the event at the Basin car park on the Esplanade with a ‘vintage’ fancy dress theme celebrating the club’s 150th anniversary which takes place in 2023.
The event attracted the crowds, with dookers raising cash both for the rugby club and for their own chosen charities.
Meanwhile, along the road in Kinghorn the Loony Dook was back for the first time since before the Covid pandemic.
The event at Kinghorn beach was organised by Kinghorn RNLI who ensured it was a safe event.
A spokesperson for the local RNLI said: “What a start to the year...our duty crew was paged at 0314 on Sunday morning to assist with an incident at Leven. Fortunately, it was resolved just prior to launch. However, many of our team were back at the station later in the morning for the return of our Loony Dook!
“We were overwhelmed with the support and number of people who came along on a cold morning to run into the Forth, or to support those doing so. We had over 160 people in the water, many of whom had come along in fancy dress. The beach and braes were packed and it was great to see so much support for the first Dook since 2019.
“With your generosity we also raised around £1300 for the RNLI. Our team dealt with 94 taskings in 2022 and we expect this year will be just as busy. Thank you for your support and we look forward to 2023.”
1. Loony Dook 2023
Kirkcaldy Rugby Club's annual New Year Dook took place on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Photo: Walter Neilson
2. Loony Dook 2023
A number of brave souls took the plunge into the chilly River Forth to start the new year. Photo: Walter Neilson
