There is no shortage of Scottish Hogmanay traditions to partake in, a few of which date back hundreds of years.
Some of these involve giving presents such as black buns and whisky, while others are as simple as the eating of a steak pie today on New Year's Day. One of the newer ways to celebrate, however, is a bit more unusual.
The Loony Dook is an annual tradition that started in 1986 with three South Queensferry friends. As a joke, they decided that the best way to cure their Hogmanay hangover would be to dive into the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth.
The next year, the event was repeated for charity, and over the next few years grew in size. It has become customary to wear fancy dress before jumping into the firth.
Eventually, the Loony Dook started being mentioned in the official Edinburgh Hogmanay guide, which led to more people grabbing their best costume and heading to the water on January 1.
It wasn't until the the BBC filmed the event during the millennium Hogmanay celebrations that its popularity really exploded, though. After this, around 1,000 people each year would head to the Firth of Forth to take part.
Starting in 2011, the Loony Dook became part of the official Edinburgh's Hogmanay programme. After this, participants were required to pay a registration fee to cover organisation costs.
Recent years have seen thousands of spectators head to the Firth of Forth on New Year's Day to cheer on those participating, as well as check out the weird and wonderful costumes on display.
Unfortunately, the official Loony Dook event has been cancelled this year following Covid-19 and accusations of commercialisation. However, there are a number of alternatives that have been organised in areas such as South Queensferry, Portobello Beach, and North Berwick.
It is important to be aware that these replacement events are not officially stewarded. It is therefore a dangerous activity for those who are not adequately prepared.
Don't miss the top culture and heritage stories from around Scotland. Sign up to our twice weekly Scotland Now newsletter here.
