Swimmers braved the cold waters of the Moray Firth as they took part in the annual Burghead Boxing Day swim, raising over £4,000.
More than 300 spectators came out for the event to see swimmers jump into the water of Burghead Harbour to raise money for projects in Moray.
While the weather looked ominous from a distance, with patches of sleet and rain at 2pm, it eventually held off.
However, the freezing temperature of the water was not lost on the swimmers, with the president of the swim, Jamie Campbell saying it was “the coldest swim in recent years”.
Amongst the sea spray whipping up against the harbour walls, 25 swimmers – five more than last year – donned colourful festive clothing for the swim.
The tradition in Burghead began almost 40 years ago and has since grown to be a force for good in Moray, with 20 applications this year to benefit from the funds raised.
This year the money will be divided between Wild Things, a young children’s outdoor initiative, Scotia Medical Group, which provides free first-aid courses to community groups and Outfit Moray, a young person activity organisation.
‘Proud to see how generous people are’
Mr Campbell says in recent years more organisations have reached out to benefit from the swim due to funding cuts and budget limitations due to the cost of living crisis.
He says the event is very important in helping charities and organisations struggling and that it is “vital” events like the Burghead Swim continue.
He said: “It’s a traditional thing that’s happened in Moray for almost 40 years.
“It started by people in Burghead to support people living in Burghead and it evolved into something that raises thousands each year.
“It makes you proud to see how generous people are, especially people who are struggling.”
Mr Campbell says people in the community have gone above and beyond to help raise funds and is adamant the event would not be able to continue without their support.
He says for a small fishing village like Burghead, the community is everything, so any chance to contribute is always welcome.
An event like this requires a lot of safety, and without assistance from Burghead Coastguard and the harbourmaster, the event could not take place.
Mr Campbell added: “People look out for each other and everybody pulls together and you realise how important it is to live in a community like Burghead.”
The swimmers raised more than £4,000 for the three charitable causes.
In pictures: Burghead’s Boxing Day swim
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