A group of intrepid souls who took part in the annual Burghead Boxing Day swim managed to raise almost £20,000 for three local charities.
Residents of the coastal village have been making the dip into the cold water of the North Sea at the same time every year for the past three decades.
A total of 105 swimmers jumped off the quayside Burghead harbour for the festive tradition to cross the exit of the port.
Those hardy fundraisers donned their swimming trunks and shorts before clambering into the perishingly cold sea.
Despite the chilly conditions, there were people from as far afield as California and Malaysia taking part and they helped raise £19,500 for charity.
Local children’s charity Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation was the main beneficiary, receiving £14,500 of donations and sponsorship fees.
The charity is named after courageous Moray teenager Abbie Main and was set up by her just before she died of cancer on Christmas Day 2017 to help other families whose children are battling cancer.
Most of the participants wore bright T-shirts bearing her name and her parents Tammy and Russell and big brother Cameron all took part in the swim as well.
Burghead Parent and Toddler’s group received £2,500 and the village’s coastal rowing club also gained the same amount.
The swim is an annual tradition in Burghead and has proved very popular in recent years with both locals and those visiting the region during the festive season.
In 2017, £9,500 was raised for charity and split between Bairns of Burghead Primary, Prostate Scotland, Moray Sea School Memorial and Moray Fresh Start.
Jamie Campbell, president of the organising committee was pleased to see such a huge amount of money raised.
He said: “We were over the moon, because although we expected we might get quite a lot because of the huge crowd taking part, almost £20,000 is still a lot of money.
“Our rough estimates were around £12,000 but then the money just kept rolling in so we are grateful to all the swimmers and businesses who offered items for the raffle.
“We have a bit of momentum now for the future and are looking as far ahead as to our 40th anniversary in four years time.”
