Dozens of women ran into the chilly Moray Firth for a sunrise swim to mark International Women’s Day.
About 80 bold campaigners strode into the bracing water off Lossiemouth’s West Beach shortly before 7am to raise money for Moray Rape Crisis.
The group was formed in September 2018 but has since been inundated with more than 140 referrals with new cases currently having to wait six months for one-to-one support.
Today’s event was the first of its kind run by the organisation after being inspired by a similar fundraiser held in Edinburgh.
Moray Rape Crisis provides support to anyone over 11 who has suffered sexual violence at any point in their life.
Bethea Robertson, the group’s support and development manager, said: “The main thing we want to do is provide extra support hours due to the demand we have.
“It’s not very nice when we have to tell people that there’s a waiting list. We have that initial contact when they come in but it’s six months at the moment for one-to-one support.
“We do deal with historical issues. We have people in their 30s, 40s and 50s who have experienced something and are needing to deal with it now.”
