Scotland's 'Loony Dookers' Wash Away Hogmanay Hangover

'Loony Dookers' Wash Away Hogmanay Hangover

Scotland's "loony dookers" started 2013 with a splash as 1,100 bathers took to the water to welcome in the New Year.

The annual January 1 dip in the Forth at South Queensferry saw brave participants take the plunge in costumes ranging from penguins to hula dancers.

Many took the opportunity to wash away their Hogmanay hangover after the 75,000-strong party in nearby Edinburgh the night before.

Organisers of the world-famous celebration were meanwhile hard at work with the big clear-up, with council staff removing 60 to 75 tonnes of rubbish by around mid-morning.

Frances Sutton, spokeswoman for Edinburgh's Hogmanay, said: "The Loony Dookers were loving it, they marched down the street to a pipe band and took to the water, some only ankle-deep but others went under.

"There were people wearing wedding dresses, there was a Fred Flinstone outfit and a very small 'mankini'.

"It was brilliant."

The festivities continued on New Year's Day in the capital with a dog sled race at Holyrood Park and a triathlon event.

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