One of Moray’s most cherished Boxing Day traditions was cancelled for the first time in its history as strong winds swept across the region.
More than 100 swimmers and 1,000 spectators were expected in Burghead for the annual plunge into the chilly North Sea water.
But with waves crashing over the harbour walls yesterday morning organisers made the reluctant decision to postpone it.
The popular festive event will now take place on Hogmanay after being cancelled for the first time since its inaugural running in 1985.
Jamie Campbell, president of the organising committee, insisted there was no option but to postpone the swim.
He said: “When I went down at 9am the wind was really strong, the boats were jumping up and down and waves were coming over the back wall.
“It then started snowing and we had hail stones. It was horizontal for a while. It was forecast to get worse at the time and it did. It wasn’t worth risking it.
“With the weather the way it was it wasn’t safe and could have put off a lot of people from taking part or watching.
“Hogmanay seemed like the next day that seemed right for holding it when as many people as possible would be free.”
Gust of up to 70mph were forecast on the Moray Firth coast yesterday with the Met Office issuing weather warnings for strong
winds.
On Christmas Day organisers had already made the decision to move the swim to the inner basin at the harbour after taking advice for forecasters.
Mr Campbell said dozens of swimmers had already contacted him to say they would still be taking part on Hogmanay.
He said: “We’ve never had to postpone it before and it’s good to see people still wanting to support it. You never know, it might be even more popular.”
Money raised from this year’s event will be split between the Elgin Pipe Band, Burghead Community Hall, the Ladybird Group and Logan’s Fund.
The first swimmers will now plunge into the water at 2pm on Hogmanay.
