New Year’s Day Community Dooks & Dips

Taking a dip in freezing waters on New Year’s Day has become a much-loved tradition for communities across Scotland, with ‘Dooks’ taking place in many locations. Whether spectating or braving the waters yourself, expect a friendly, festive atmosphere and it is a lot of fun (and warmer) to watch and to cheer on the participants.

Community ‘Dooks’ take place in many locations, are free to attend as a spectator but donations to charities are very welcome. Below are a selection of community ‘Dooks & Dips’ in locations with excellent bars, cafes and attractions for a great New Year’s Day adventure:

  • South Queensferry ‘Dook’

    Sunday 1 January 2023 – New Year’s Day

    Gathering from 12noon / 12.30pm Dook – The Boathouse Steps

    The South Queensferry Dook began back in 1986 by three locals looking to cure a New Year’s Day hangover. What started out a as a joke, grew into a hugely popular charity event, which inspired others to take place across the country.

    Taking place beneath the majestic Forth Bridges, the dook is a great spectator event and excellent excuse to visit South Queensferry and enjoy the pubs, cafes and restaurants in the area.

  • North Berwick ‘Dook’

    Sunday 1 January 2023 – New Year’s Day

    Arrival 11.30am/12noon Dook – Meeting place is West Beach (Left of Harbour looking out to sea).

    Located 28 miles east of Edinburgh, North Berwick is a stunning seaside town in East Lothian, boasting great beaches and coastal scenery for their annual New Year’s Day Dook.

    Offering incredible views out to the Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock, home to the world’s largest northern gannet colony. It is also home to the 5-star Scottish Seabird Centre, and nearby attractions includes the mighty Tantallon Castle to the east and Dirleton Castle to the west. As a seaside town, North Berwick boasts classic fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours, as well as great pubs, tearooms and coffee shops.

  • The Portobello ‘Dook’

    Sunday 1 January 2023 – New Year’s Day: 

    Dooks take place throughout the day on Portobellos stunning beach, with many heading into the water at 1pm.

    The Portobello Dook is a free event that takes place at Portobello’s long, sandy beach on the east of the city. Participants generally meet at the foot of Bath Street, by the Espy and Beach House 12.30pm.

    Portobello’s Loony Dook is now an established community event with participants gathering on New Year’s Day to brave the cold waters of the Firth of Forth.

    Participants will be clad in the usual wacky fancy dress outfits, raising funds for their various charities or just daring themselves. Even if you’re not taking a ‘dook’ it’s a great spectacle for families to enjoy.

    Local businesses will be supporting the gathering, opening their doors on Porty Prom to welcome you in for hot drinks, cakes or a hair of the dog.