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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Sean Murphy

Best places in Edinburgh and the Lothians to Loony Dook after official one cancelled

A festive favourite every year and a key part of the Hogmanay celebrations – a Loony Dook is often described as the best way to clear the head on New Year's Day.

A combination of 'Loony' (as in crazy or daft) and 'dook', the Scots term for 'ducking underwater', it's a tradition in the capital that dates all the way back to the 80s and usually brings thousands of revellers to the town of South Queensferry, near the iconic three bridges, every new year.

READ MORE - Scottish mum who presumed her son was dead discovers he's alive 10 years later

Dressed in a colourful array of costumes and in various styles of fancy dress, they'd then dive into the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth on New Year’s morning.

People enjoying a Loony Dook. (Getty)

However, disappointed Scots were recently told that the official event for 2023 would not be taking place on January 1.

There are a few areas across the capital though, that will be enjoying their own unofficial versions with people attending to enjoy a dook.

It's important to remember that these events are not stewarded and to stick close to the shore and other people for your 'dook' to be as safe as possible - please don't do this on your own if you haven't informed anyone where you are going.

South Queensferry

Though the official event isn't going ahead, that doesn't mean there won't be dookers taking to the Firth, with the Facebook page starting that some regulars will be setting out from the Boathouse Steps on January 1, with people getting together at 12 pm before taking a dip at 12.30 pm.

Portobello Beach

This is another large gathering that is probably one of the more popular informal alternative events. People usually gather throughout the day for a 'Dook' but the peak is usually 1 pm when the most people appear to enjoy a dip in the water.

Again it's not an organised event, so feel free to just turn up and enjoy.

North Berwick

This year's event takes place at West Beach close to the popular seaside town with people arriving from around 11.30 am, heading to the left of the Harbour and enjoying a Dook at 12 pm, you can find out more on the Facebook page here.

Kinghorn Beach

The RNLI host this fun Loony Dook at Kinghorn, with donations welcome to help support their vital effort to keep everyone safe at sea. Beginning at 12 noon, people can find out more by emailing fundraiser@Kinghorn.org.uk or by heading to the Facebook page.

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