Hogmanay revellers take the plunge

Jan 1 2013

Scotland's "loony dookers" started 2013 with a splash as 1,100 bathers took to the water to welcome in the New Year.

The annual January 1 dip in the Forth at South Queensferry saw brave participants take the plunge in costumes ranging from penguins to hula dancers. Many took the opportunity to wash away their Hogmanay hangover after the 75,000-strong party in nearby Edinburgh the night before.

Organisers of the world-famous celebration were meanwhile hard at work with the big clear-up, with council staff removing 60 to 75 tonnes of rubbish by around mid-morning.

Frances Sutton, spokeswoman for Edinburgh's Hogmanay, said: "The Loony Dookers were loving it, they marched down the street to a pipe band and took to the water, some only ankle-deep but others went under. There were people wearing wedding dresses, there was a Fred Flintstone outfit and a very small 'mankini'. It was brilliant."

Tourists from as far afield as Australia travelled to the Scots capital for Monday night's party, headlined by Scots rock band Simple Minds. After the clock struck midnight fireworks lit up the sky and revellers joined in a mass rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

Edinburgh councillor Steve Cardownie said: "It has been a truly fantastic event, bringing together 75,000 good-natured and enthusiastic revellers from all over the world to see in the bells in the heart of Scotland's capital."

Joanna White and a group of friends travelled from Melbourne and Adelaide to experience the event. She said: "We love Hogmanay, we want to come back here every year. It's been awesome."

The spectacle involved thousands of fireworks set off from 45 locations spread around Edinburgh Castle and West Princes Street Gardens.

More than 20 tonnes of equipment and 7.5 miles of control cables and wires were used.

The festivities continued on New Year's Day in the capital with a dog sled race at Holyrood Park and a triathlon event.