The Loony Dook 2025 in Edinburgh

Would you plunge into the icy waters in the middle of winter?

Dates: January 1

If you are an adventurer at heart and have your mind set on doing crazy things, then Loony Dook on January 1st is your thing. Well, loony is short for "lunatic," and dook refers to Scottish "dip" or "bathe." The event is all about the hundreds of fancy-dressed revelers throwing themselves into the icy waters of the Firth of Forth in South Queensferry. This dive is considered by many an excellent hangover cure from the excess of whiskey and other spirits, drunk the night before, on Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year's Eve.

Event Program

The celebration is an annual occasion, happening on the New Year's Day. Previously part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay program, it was removed from the official lineup in 2024. In response, locals took the initiative to create a similar event, now known as the unofficial "Loony Dock." This community-organized gathering raises funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and other local charities.

Participants dress up in the craziest costumes, unleashing their creativity and imagination. The possibilities are endless, and you can either go for a black tie suit or transform into Santa, a Viking, or a flamingo. The dookers are greeted by a band of bagpipers, and everything reaches its peak with the mad dash into the icy waters.

The revelry lures hundreds of dookers, along with several thousands of curious spectators, to cheer the daring ones. You can either challenge yourself and take a plunge, too, or just watch the extraordinary action from the beach.

Schedule & Admission

This thrilling dip is set to take place at 1:30 pm, with the first participants getting into the water. While the previous Edinburgh Hogmanay edition required registration and a participation fee, this one is completely free to attend and take part in. Note that the riverside can be quite rocky and slippery, so it's important to wear appropriate shoes. The event doesn't have changing areas.

Location in South Queensferry

The annual Loony Dook dip takes place at the Boathouse steps off the High Street in South Queensferry. The place overlooks the stunning South Queensferry Harbour and the famous Forth Bridge over the Firth of Forth, where several Scottish rivers meet the North Sea on the east coast of Scotland.