Almost 100 hardy swimmers took the annual leap of faith into Burghead harbour on Boxing Day – significantly down on the event last year.
The 200 swimmers who gathered last time around and raised £35,000 between them was always going to be a hard act to follow – and a bitterly cold day this time around did not help matters.
However, organisers insisted they always knew that the “unbelievable” 2013 event was exceptional and declared themselves happy to reach three figures in terms of participants and aimed to raise funds for Help for Heroes, Crossreach Counselling, the Friendship Fund (for MS sufferers) and the Burghead Amenities Association.
Looking on this year was a regular Christmas visitor to Elgin, Spencer Carmichael, who said: “This is one of the highlights of our annual pilgrimage back to Moray each year – it is a pity that numbers were down but I can’t blame anyone for not wishing to take the dip this year, it was bloody freezing out there today.
“Well done to those who braved the elements and yet again the choice of costumes for the swim was amazing – I love the ‘Cool Runnings’ suit!”
Organisers say that as usual it will take some time to tally up the proceeds from the event but hoped that at least £10,000 had been raised from the event.
A spokeswoman said: “Thank you to all the swimmers today and all those who sponsored them also everyone who came supported filled the buckets donated and bought raffle tickets.
“To all the services who supported us, well done. We will be able to announce total once all the money is in.”
Organisers are looking forward to their landmark 30th swim next year.