A hair-raising hat-trick for the 'Loony' Provost

Published Tuesday, 6th December 2016
(picture of last year's Loony Dook)
 

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost is once again preparing to plunge into icy cold waters for charity when he takes on the New Year’s Day Stoat’s Loony Dook challenge.

 

Part of the three day festival for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, the event will see over 1,000 ‘Dookers’ cheered on by 4,000 spectators start 2017 with a dip in the River Forth in the shadow of the world-famous Forth Bridges.

 

The Lord Provost Donald Wilson has signed up to take part for the third year in a row in order to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which provides a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service across the UK.

 

He commented: “The event has gone from strength to strength in recent years and raises lots of money for a fantastic charity. Once again it is a sell-out. The South Queensferrry branch of the RNLI will receive a 10 per cent donation from each registration fee for the event. The cold is a serious challenge, but one I’m prepared to undertake again for such a good cause. I wish everyone else taking part the best of luck – you’re going to need it!”

The Stoat’s Loony Dook is organised by Unique Events, which produces Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council. It is supported by porridge producer Stoats. Last month, organisers confirmed the event has been a sell out and that no more spaces are available, but spectators are welcome to cheer on the Dookers from various vantage points along the route.