“It all started with a conversation between Christmas and New Year 1986/7,” explains former Loony Dook organiser David Steel. “A man called Andy Kerr, who was a bit fed up, wondered if there was something different they could do to celebrate New Year. Somebody, off the cuff said: Why don’t we jump in the Forth? So, on the first of January 1987, 12 people gathered down on the shore, some in fancy dress, and did the very first Looney Dook.
“Some people that were watching didn’t know what was going on,” he adds, “and the assumption was made that it was for charity. Money was handed over, and the guys thought: This could be a good idea, to benefit charities.”
South Queensferry residents Iain “Rambo” Armstrong and Jim MacKenzie were among that first dozen and, uniquely, have taken part in every subsequent event, albeit on occasions stewarding the crowds as well as taking to the water. The 2016 Dook will be the event’s – and their – 30th. “I think the longest I’ve stayed in the water is 15 minutes,” admits MacKenzie. “It took a good 45 minutes to feel my feet.”
“Other areas, having seen the potential for charity, have decided that’s the thing to do,” says Steel, “but we see this as the home of the Loony Dook and, although there’s been talk of looking at other locations, we want it to stay here.
“There’s no doubt that the location lends itself to an event like this, with the backdrop of the Forth and the Bridges and Fife. We’re quite fortunate in that, while there’s a limit to the number of people who can take part, there are a lot of good vantage points to view it. Hence the reason you get quite big crowds coming along to watch!”
First published in The Scots Magazine, January 2016.
