Dozens of hardy Moray souls started Hogmanay with a splash when they plunged into the freezing North Sea for charity.
The Burghead Boxing Day dip has taken place at the village’s harbour every December 26 for the past 30 years, but it was cancelled for the first time last week because of strong winds.
The event was rescheduled for Saturday, when more than 40 swimmers donned a range of colourful costumes and leapt into the water.
Organisers yesterday confirmed that, despite a reduced number being able to take part due to the change of date, the event is on course to collect more than £6,000 for worthy causes.
Money raised will go towards the Logan’s Fund children’s cancer charity, the Ladybird pre-school group, Burghead Community Hall and the Elgin and District Pipe Band.
Members of the music group got proceedings under way at 2pm, by piping the swimmers from Granary Street down to the port – and then being the first to take the icy plunge.
The scores of Brochers , who had gathered at the harbour let out a loud cheer as Douglas Caldwell and Ewan Syme jumped from the pier.
And, after emerging from the chilly water, Mr Caldwell described the experience as “thrilling”.
He added: “I actually quite enjoyed it, I’ve done it before, so I knew what was coming.
“The pipe band being one of the beneficiaries this year gave us some extra motivation.”
Doctors, shopworkers and teachers all followed – with some diving into the water, some plummeting feet first and some choosing to belly-flop into the sea.
Ben Leil was signed up for the challenge by his girlfriend’s family. They live in Burghead and he was visiting them at the weekend.
Mr Leil, who is originally from Blackpool, but now works at a Glasgow shipyard, was among the final participants.
He explained he was entered into the swim after boasting about being able to do it, while having a few drinks.
Mr Leil added: “This was the first time I have been in the sea for about 20 years, and I definitely found it quite bracing.”
Organiser Jamie Campbell was taken by surprise when he discovered his fellow committee members had secretly sponsored him to jump last. So he hurriedly raced from his post, helping sodden swimmers from the harbour, and took the plunge.
Afterwards, he said: “There were a few challenges this year, but all the swimmers made a lot of money for charity.”