Tag: Loony Dook

Kick off 2025 with the Lost Shore Loony Dook!

A New Year’s Day like no other!

Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf resort, is making a splash with its inaugural Lost Shore Loony Dook on New Year’s Day, 2025. Inspired by Scotland’s cherished tradition of braving icy waters, this event offers a thrilling inland twist, inviting participants to dive into Europe’s largest wave pool for an unforgettable celebration.

The original Loony Dook, first held in South Queensferry in the mid-1980s, began as a remedy for New Year’s Day hangovers. Over the decades, it has evolved into a cherished annual tradition, featuring participants in fancy dress parading through town before taking the plunge into the frigid Firth of Forth. This iconic event has inspired similar gatherings across Scotland, from North Berwick to St Andrews. The Lost Shore Loony Dook aims to honour and expand this legacy.   

Unlike traditional seaside dips, this event offers the comfort of heated changing room facilities, delicious post-dook dining, and the chance to experience Lost Shore’s world-class surf pool.

Cold water dips, like the Lost Shore Loony Dook, are celebrated for their many health benefits. Regular cold water immersion can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and boost recovery, making it an excellent remedy for muscle soreness and fatigue. It’s also been shown to enhance mood, focus, and resilience to stress while promoting better sleep and an invigorated immune system. What better way to kickstart the New Year than with a refreshing boost for your mind and body?

Lauren Hyder, Head of Events and Sales at Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “Whether you’re a seasoned Dooker or taking the plunge for the first time, the Lost Shore Loony Dook offers an exhilarating way to start the year.

“We’re embracing a much-loved Edinburgh tradition and giving it a unique inland twist, creating a vibrant new way to celebrate New Year’s Day.

“After your dip, the fun doesn’t stop—we are inviting guests to treat themselves to breakfast pastries and hot drinks at our waterfront restaurant, Canteen, unwind with a session in the Spear Sauna, or enjoy soothing treatments and massages by Michelle Denham, delivered by Lost Shore’s highly skilled therapists.

“For those seeking more adrenaline, catch a wave at our world-class surf facility and truly kick off 2025 in style!”

For just £5 (plus a booking fee), participants can enjoy the thrill of the dip and warm up afterwards with a complimentary hot drink. Friends and family are welcome to cheer from the sidelines, with free Supporter Tickets available for non-swimmers.

Loony Dook – What You Need to Know

  • Tickets: Registration is £5 per participant (+ booking fee). Supporter tickets for spectators are also available free of charge.
  • Safety Requirements: Participants must wear wetsuit boots or water shoes (available on-site if needed).
  • Arrival Time: Arrive by 9.30am to allow time for check-in and preparation. The group will gather at 9.45am, with the event kicking off promptly at 10am.
  • Age Policy: Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Visit Lost Shore Loony Dook ~ Lost Shore Surf Resort

Facilities: Changing rooms and showers are provided for participants, alongside secure lockers for added convenience. Please bring your own towel. 

Both surfing lessons and sessions and Surfskate Academy sessions will also be available on New Year’s Day. 

The Loony Dook kicks off a programme of wellbeing running throughout January at Lost Shore with activities including yoga, motivational talks and wellbeing sessions. 

Underbelly to introduce additional Covid-19 safety measures across it’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme

29 December – 1 January

Edinburghís Hogmanay Street paty.Photo David Cheskin.31.12.18

Underbelly, the producers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, have announced that all ticket holders will be required to be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test from the day of the ticketed event to gain access to Party at the Bells, the Torchlight Procession, all concerts that are part of the Scottish music programme in Greyfriars Kirk and the Loony Dook.

Underbelly’s additional safety measures go over and above the latest Scottish Government guidance, as part of a continued commitment to providing a safe and great Hogmanay for the city of Edinburgh.

The updated Edinburgh’s Hogmanay safety measures include:

The Torchlight Procession: Thursday, 30 December

All ticket holders must be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow on the day of the event (30 December) when collecting their torches from one of the three pick up locations.

Ticket holders must register their test result through the government website and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event. A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here and on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website for anyone attending.

Scottish Music Programme at Greyfriars Kirk – 29 – 31 December

All ticket holders must be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow from the day of the event that they are attending at entry to Greyfriars Kirk. Ticketholders must register their test result through the NHS Scotland inform page and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event.

A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here and on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website for anyone attending. Additionally, Scottish Music Programme attendees at Greyfriars Kirk will be required to wear a face covering while enjoying the entertainment and will be asked to scan the Scottish Government Test and Trace QR code upon entering the venue.

Party at the Bells – Friday, 31 December, 10pm-1am

Underbelly will be opening the Box Office from Tuesday, 27th December for ticket holders to collect their official tickets and wristbands. Upon collection, members of the public will be required to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours or their vaccine passport.

Additionally, all Party at the Bells attendees will need to be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow from the day of the event at an entry point into Party at the Bells to gain access to the event on 31 December. This applies to Street Access, Garden Access and Premium Access ticket holders.

Ticketholders must register their test result through the NHS Scotland inform page and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event. A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here for anyone attending.

Loony Dook – Saturday, 1st January, 10:30am 

Participants must be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow result at the South Queensferry registration point.

The lateral flow test must be taken on the morning of the event and registered negative through the NHS Scotland inform page and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event.

A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here and on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website for anyone attending.

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, said: “Underbelly continues to work daily with the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council and agencies to deliver a safe and a great Hogmanay. 

“With safety at the heart of everything we do, we have decided proactively to introduce additional measures that are designed to protect our audiences, artists and employees to keep them safe.

“We and all agencies are working hard to deliver the event and to welcome audiences to Princes Street, placing Scotland at the forefront of the world’s new year events.”

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Donald Wilson of City of Edinburgh Council added: “Our absolute priority will always be the health and wellbeing of the public, staff and the city as a whole.

“We’re continually reviewing and updating our plans for Hogmanay in the face of the changing circumstances posed by the pandemic and these additional measures will help to ensure that our events are as safe as possible.”

Now, controlling those Christmas Market numbers – Ed. …

Loony Dook tickets now on sale

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has announced that tickets for the world-famous Loony Dook at South Queensferry go on sale at 10am today – Friday 26 November.

Scotland’s biggest Loony Dook sees an army of brave souls in fancy dress plunge into the icy waters of the Firth of Forth to dust off the cobwebs on New Year’s morning.

If you fancy braving the chilly dip by the iconic Forth Bridges, tickets will be on sale, from 10am today, Friday 26 November, via the Edinburgh Hogmanay website.

Running since 1987, the Loony Dook has grown in popularity year on year with thousands of people raiding their fancy-dress cupboards in a bid to ring in the new year in style and win best dressed on the beach.

Tickets are on sale from £11.50 and each ticket bought includes a donation to the RNLI, access to the beach, main parade, and band performances.

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “Scotland’s biggest Loony Dook is back. The community of South Queensferry have asked us to help them organise this much-loved tradition on the Firth of Forth.

“There really is no better or refreshing way to start the New Year, so grab your costume and come for a dip!”

Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener said: “The City of Edinburgh Council is delighted to see the return of this year’s Loony Dook.

“It’s a highlight in many people’s festive calendars and the Underbelly team will ensure that this year’s event is as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone. As a regular Looney Dooker in the past I am looking forward to taking part again this year!”

Councillor Norman Work said: “South Queensferry is delighted to be home to the best Dook in the calendar.

“We’ve been working closely with Underbelly to ensure all participants can enjoy the event in a safe, fun environment – we look forward to welcoming everyone to our world famous waterfront on New Year’s Day.”

David Smart from RNLI said: “What better way to blow off the Hogmanay cobwebs than dipping into the icy Firth of Forth? Edinburgh’s Hogmanay kindly donates £1 from every ticket bought for the Loony Dook to the RNLI.

“The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Every day of the year, people of all backgrounds get into danger in the water. The support of all donations means that the RNLI crews can save lives quickly, safely and effectively – as always, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone for their support.”

Kirstin Heggie, owner at  Allium Gift Shop in South Queensferry said: “The Loony Dook is a fantastic event for South Queensferry as it brings so many visitors to our little town.

“It is lovely to see lots of new faces every year and also great welcoming back the old familiar ones too!” 

Moira Cunningham, owner at Ravenous Beastie said: “Everyone in South Queensferry is so happy about the Loony Dook being back and the buzz it brings to the community every year!

“It is such a joyful and fun occasion and a special way to mark the start of a new year ahead of us!”

For more information and tickets, please visit:

 https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com/