How do you register for the Loony Dook?

There is no registration for the South Queensferry Loony Dook and it is free to enter. You simply turn up on the day. Registration and a fee were only required in the years when the event was managed as part of Edinburgh's Hogmanay, which ended in 2020. Other Loony Dooks around Scotland vary: Broughty Ferry requires advance online entry, and Kinghorn requires online registration, while Portobello and North Berwick need nothing at all.

Where is the best place to watch the Loony Dook from?

One of the best spots is South Queensferry harbour, on the pier. Dookers enter the water down the steps by the Boat House and spread out along the beach between the steps and the harbour. There is no longer an organised parade with a drum band and entertainment, as there was when Edinburgh's Hogmanay ran the event, but dookers still walk down through the town to the water and spectators line the route.

The Loony Dook 2027: Everything You Need To Know + Alternatives!

Q: Is the 2027 Loony Dook cancelled?

No. Nothing has been announced for 1st January 2027 yet, but that is normal for this point in the year rather than a warning sign. The volunteer managed South Queensferry Loony Dook has run every year since 1st January 2022, including 2026, when water entry was at 9.30am. Details are normally posted on the organiser's Facebook page and in local Queensferry Facebook groups, usually in late November or December. The event's old website theloonydook.co.uk no longer exists and the Queensferry.net page has gone, but that is a website problem rather than an event problem.

Q: When is the Loony Dook 2027?

The Loony Dook takes place on 1st January every year. The time depends on the tide and usually falls 2-3 hours before high tide while the tide is coming in, which makes it safer. That means the time moves a lot between years: in 2025 the first dookers entered the water at 1.30pm, and in 2026 water entry was 9.30am. No time has been announced for 2027 yet, so keep the morning and early afternoon of 1st January free until the organiser confirms. If you are taking part, arrive at least an hour before the stated time to park and get ready.

Q: Can I attend the Loony Dook without going in the water?

Yes, and plenty of people do. Hundreds attend as spectators each year and there is normally a very festive atmosphere. It is free to watch and no registration is needed. Arrive well in advance, as you may have to walk a fair way from wherever you park.

Q: Do I need an outfit for the Loony Dook?

An outfit is not mandatory, but a lot of people attend in fancy dress and you will probably enjoy the experience more if you make a bit of effort. Outfits are very much encouraged.

Q: Is there an age limit for the Loony Dook?

There is no age limit for the Loony Dook. As this is a water-based event in freezing conditions, adult supervision is recommended for anyone under 18.

Q: How many people participate in the Loony Dook?

When the event was arranged by Edinburgh's Hogmanay, around a thousand people took part in the dook itself. The event is now community managed and no formal numbers are shared, but similar numbers appear to take part.

Q: Is the Loony Dook safe?

The organisers take safety seriously and there are normally on-site police and medical professionals, along with RNLI lifeboat members on standby to help anyone who gets into difficulty. You are still walking across a slippery beach in freezing temperatures and into very cold water, so take care.

Q: How do I get to the Loony Dook?

South Queensferry is a few miles outside Edinburgh. Driving is easiest, with free parking and marshals on hand, though allow for a 10 to 20 minute walk down to the Dook depending on when you arrive. Dalmeny station serves South Queensferry and is about a half mile walk from the town, and Lothian Country service 43 runs from St Andrew Square in Edinburgh. Both rail and bus run a reduced holiday timetable on 1st January, and in some years ScotRail has not run on New Year's Day at all, so confirm nearer the time rather than relying on the published weekday frequencies.

Not satisfied with an epic fireworks display, a massive street party and a torchlight procession to celebrate the new year (which they call Hogmanay), the folks of Scotland have also instituted an annual tradition known as the Loony Dook. I lived in Edinburgh for four years, I’ve done the South Queensferry dook myself, and I’ve been back to watch it a few times since.

This primarily involves waking up early after your New Year’s Eve festivities and throwing yourself into the sea. The sea around Scotland is not known to be warm at the best of times, and on the 1st of January it is properly freezing. Still, if you’re looking to wake yourself up, it’s a good way.

One of Scotland’s more well-known Loony Dooks is held in South Queensferry, which this guide focuses on.

As well as the South Queensferry Loony Dook I’ve also included information on other Loony Dook options in Scotland, including a number of Loony Dook options near to Edinburgh. The photos and main information in this guide focus on the South Queensferry location though to help you plan for that.

Many of the Loony Dooks in Scotland involve getting yourself dressed up in the wackiest outfit you can find, then throwing yourself into the sea. Some may also include some form of entertainment.

Watching it is nearly as much fun as taking part, for what it’s worth, and quite a lot warmer.

If you’re reading this partway through the year and trying to work out whether you can plan a trip around a dook, here’s where things stand as I write this in July 2026.

One dook is already open for entries. Broughty Ferry, just outside Dundee, has confirmed 1st January 2027 at 10am, at £20 per adult and £12 per junior, with online entry closing at noon on Monday 7th December 2026. There’s no on-the-day registration for that one, so it’s the only dook on this page with a deadline you can actually act on today.

South Queensferry, the event this guide covers, hasn’t announced anything for 2027 yet. That’s normal for July rather than a warning sign. It’s run by volunteers now, and the details usually surface on Facebook in late November or December. It’s free, there’s no registration, and it happens on the 1st of January regardless. You can book your travel around it without waiting for the confirmation.

Right, onto the guide itself.

Let’s start with the photos, because they’re so much fun!

Table of Contents:

Photos from the Edinburgh / South Queensferry Loony Dook

If you’re going to dress up as a bridge, make it the Forth Rail Bridge.

Because even when dooking, you’ve got to have your tub of porridge ready.

Dookers marching through South Queensferry, led by a drum band.

In they went…

and went…

The water is not as warm as these images make out.

The Loony Dook 2027: Everything You Need To Know + Alternatives!

Farewell Captain Hook.

We woke the spirit of Scotland.

Hulk made an appearance.

As did Wonder Woman.

Up, up and away!

It was this cold.

These folks came as photographers.

Lovely day for it!

And that’s what the South Queensferry Loony Dook looks like! Now, to help you plan your own attendance at this fun event.

History of the South Queensferry Loony Dook

The event has changed over the years, which is why some information you will read about the South Queensferry Loony Dook will be out of date. Here’s a brief timeline of the history of the event.

The mid 1980s – the Loony Dook began in South Queensferry when some friends decided to throw themselves into the Firth of Forth as a hangover cure. Accounts differ on the exact year, with 1986 given as the original dare and 1st January 1987 as the first organised charity dook. Either way, it grew into an annual informal tradition
In the 1990s, the event became popularised when it was included in the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme of events, although it was still relatively informal
From 2011 – 1st January 2020, the event was formally managed as part of the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, and a fee was charged to take part. A parade with live music was added as part of the event, and numbers were limited.
The event was cancelled from the 2021 – 2023 Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme of events, and as of 2023 was no longer an official part of the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
As of 1st January 2022, the event is once again being run by the local community, and there is no fee to take part. It is again a more informal arrangement, although safety is taken seriously still with RNLI Lifeboat members on hand. There’s no longer a parade or live entertainment, but it gets a lot of attendees and lots of people dress up for the occasion.

Hopefully that makes sense! We’re just happy that the event is taking place again and the local community has made the considerable effort to put it together.

One thing that helps explain the confusion. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has already published its full 2026/27 programme, running from the 29th December to the 1st January, and the Loony Dook isn’t in it. The 1st January line up is First Footin’, Sprogmanay and the Family Ceilidh. So the official festival is out months in advance while the Dook stays quiet until December, which is pretty much what you’d expect when one event has a marketing department and the other has volunteers.

Information on attending the Loony Dook 2027 in Edinburgh, Scotland

Is the 2027 Loony Dook Cancelled?

No, and there’s no reason to think it will be. As I write this in July 2026, nothing has been announced for the 1st January 2027 yet, which is exactly where things normally stand at this point in the year.

The volunteer managed Loony Dook has been running successfully since 1st January 2022, with events held in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 as well. The 2026 event went ahead with water entry at 9.30am.

Information on the Loony Dook at South Queensferry is normally posted on this Facebook page. It used to go up in late November, although for the 2026 event it wasn’t shared there until the 31st December. The organiser also posts updates in local Queensferry Facebook groups, which is often where the news lands first.

One thing you’ll run into if you go looking: the event’s old website, theloonydook.co.uk, no longer exists, and the Queensferry.net page about it has gone too. That’s a website problem rather than an event problem. Facebook is the surface that has survived.

There are also a number of other Loony Dook events taking place on the 1st January across Scotland. See the section of this guide on alternative Loony Dooks for more options.

Note that there was previously an “official” Loony Dook, which was organised as part of the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. That “official” event was cancelled in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was effectively dropped from the “official” Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme in 2023.

How to Register for the Loony Dook

In previous years, when the event was managed as part of the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, you had to register and pay a fee in advance.

For 2027, there is no registration for the South Queensferry event, and the event is free to enter.

Other Loony Dook events in Scotland may or may not require registration, depending on how formal the arrangements are. Broughty Ferry is the main exception, and it needs booking well in advance. See the alternatives table below.

When is the Loony Dook 2027?

As a general rule a Loony Dook takes place every year on the first day of the year (1st January). The time depends on the tide. It usually takes place 2-3 hours before high tide when the tide is on its way in, which makes it a safer event.

That means the time moves around a lot from one year to the next, and it’s the thing people most often get wrong when they plan. In 2025 the first dookers went in at 1.30pm. In 2026 water entry was 9.30am. Four hours apart, same event, same beach. A time quoted without a year attached to it isn’t much use to you.

For 2027, no time has been announced yet. If you’re planning ahead, work on the 1st January and keep the morning and early afternoon free until the organiser confirms. If you plan on taking part, we’d recommend arriving at least an hour before the stated time to find parking and get yourself ready.

Can I attend the Loony Dook without going in the water?

Yes, and plenty of people do. Hundreds attend Loony Dook events each year as spectators. There is normally a very festive atmosphere and it is a lot of fun to watch and to cheer on the participants.

It’s also totally free to attend as a spectator, and you don’t need to register. Just make sure you arrive well in advance, as you might have to walk a fair bit from your car if you drive.

Is there Food and Drink at the South Queensferry Loony Dook?

There are a number of pubs, restaurants and cafes in South Queensferry, although as this is New Year’s Day and a public holiday in Scotland, they are not always guaranteed to be open.

Do I need an outfit for the Loony Dook?

An outfit is not mandatory, but given how many people attend in fancy dress, you will probably enjoy your experience a lot more if you make a bit of effort. Outfits are very much encouraged.

Is there an age limit for the Loony Dook?

There is no age limit for the Loony Dook, but as this is a water-based event adult supervision is recommended for those under 18.

How many people participate in the Loony Dook?

When the event was arranged by Edinburgh’s Hogmanay around a thousand people took part in the actual “dook”, which started off as a procession through the streets of South Queensferry led by a drum band, before ending in the frigid waters of the Firth of Forth.

The event is currently being community managed and there are no formal numbers shared, but it would seem that similar numbers take part.

Is the Loony Dook safe?

The Loony Dook organisers take safety seriously, and there are normally on-site police and medical professionals. There are normally also a number of lifeboat members on standby, to help anyone who gets into difficulty.

Of course, you have to remember that you are walking across a slippery beach in freezing temperatures and into very cold waters. So you have to be careful of course.

How do I get to the Loony Dook?

South Queensferry is a few miles outside of Edinburgh, so you’ll need to plan your transport accordingly. The easiest way to get here is to drive, and there is free parking with marshals to help you get to a parking spot.

Note that it might be a bit of a walk down to the Dook depending on when you arrive. We advise planning for a 10 – 20 minute walk just in case.

There is also a train station here, Dalmeny, which serves South Queensferry and sits about a half mile walk from the town. You can also take the bus, with service 43 (branded Lothian Country rather than the Lothian city network) departing from St. Andrew Square in Edinburgh for South Queensferry. You can see the timetable here.

One thing to check before you rely on either. Both run a reduced holiday timetable on the 1st January, and in some years ScotRail hasn’t run services on New Year’s Day at all. The published weekday frequencies won’t apply on the morning of the Dook, so confirm nearer the time.

There are also taxis and ride share services available.

Some Hogmanay package tours will put you in Edinburgh over the New Year and handle your accommodation and transport for the wider trip, which can work well as an overall Scottish Hogmanay adventure. I haven’t found one that actually includes the Dook itself as an activity though, so you’d still be making your own way out to South Queensferry that morning. Worth checking exactly what’s included before you book if that’s your plan.

Is the Loony Dook accessible?

Access to the water is via a series of steep steps, and I am not aware of any special accessibility provisions. If you do have accessibility needs and wish to participate in the actual Dook, I would suggest contacting the Loony Dook organisers for information.

For watching the Dook rather than participating, the main issue will be around access and parking. From speaking to folks with accessibility needs, there are no specific accessible parking spaces in South Queensferry for the Loony Dook.

However, blue badge holders can park on double yellow lines in South Queensferry, so you should be able to park close to the viewing areas and parade. We would advise arriving early and talking to the on-site parking marshals who will be able to direct you. Spots can go quickly and there is no reservation system in place.

How Long Does the Loony Dook Last?

Honestly, from the start time it lasts for as long as there are people still willing to go in the water! Most dookers have a quick splash, although some seem braver than others and stay in the water for longer.

Depending on how busy the event is it can take 20 – 40 minutes for everyone to get in the water and out again. The first wave is the most fun to watch going in, in my opinion.

Where to Watch the Loony Dook from?

If you’re going as a spectator, one of the best places to watch the Loony Dook from in South Queensferry is the South Queensferry harbour, on the pier. You can see this here on Google Maps.

Dookers enter the water down the steps by the Boat House here and spread out along the beach area between the steps and the harbour, and then go into the water.

In the years when Edinburgh’s Hogmanay ran the event there was a proper parade beforehand, with a drum band and entertainment. That version has gone. Dookers still walk down through the town to the water and spectators line the route, so you will see a procession of sorts, it just isn’t an organised one with a programme attached any more.

If a formal parade does return in future years (and assuming it follows the same route through town), you can see this from along the B924, the main road through South Queensferry. A good vantage point can be found opposite the Queensferry Museum, where there’s a higher pedestrian area on the south side of the street. Once the parade has passed, you can then head over the street to the car parking area where you can see the beach area and watch the dookers getting wet.

Here’s a map image to help you visualise this, which you can also see on Google Maps here. The red line is the parade route, the yellow line is a good viewing area for the parade, and the green line is a good viewing area for the Dook itself.

Any tips for taking part in the Loony Dook 2027?

Based on my experience taking part in the dook, I have some tips for taking part in the Loony Dook. First, I suggest having someone else handle your transport – either a tour company, or a friend.

Next, you’ll want to bring a nice big towel and a bag of dry clothes that someone can give to you shortly after getting out of the water (that friend will come in handy at this point).

You’ll also want to wear some form of footwear, like sandals or old trainers. I did it bare foot, which was a big mistake – the ground in January is very very cold!

For more advice on what to bring, check out my guide to what to pack and wear for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, which has a section on the Loony Dook.

Other than that, just go planning to have fun! The water is cold, but just throw yourself in without hesitating, splash around a bit, and then find that big fluffy towel. You’ll survive.

Alternatives to the Loony Dook in South Queensferry

Whilst the Loony Dook in South Queensferry is the most well-known (more information here on that one), it is not the only Loony Dook you can take part in. In fact, there’s nothing really stopping you from throwing yourself into the sea on New Year’s Day.

The table below splits them into three groups, because that’s how they actually behave. One is bookable right now. Several happen every year whether or not anyone announces them. And two I can’t tell you anything reliable about, which I’d rather say than guess at.

Location	Status for 2027	Last confirmed time	Cost	Where it’s announced
Announced and bookable now
Broughty Ferry	Confirmed for 1st Jan 2027	10am (2027)	£20 adult, £12 junior, £150 team of 10	Online entry only, closing noon on 7th Dec 2026. No entry on the day
Happens every year, details land closer to the time
South Queensferry	Expected, not yet announced	9.30am (2026)	Free, no registration	Organiser’s Facebook page, plus local Queensferry groups
Portobello	Expected, no announcement needed	Throughout the day (2026)	Free, no registration	Informal, just turn up. Facebook page for updates
North Berwick	Expected, no announcement needed	Noon (2026)	Free, no registration	Informal, just turn up at West Beach
St. Andrews	Expected, not yet announced	10am (2026)	Free	St. Andrews Loony Dook Facebook group
Kirkcaldy	Expected, not yet announced	Noon (2026)	Check with organisers	Kirkcaldy Rugby Club Facebook page
Kinghorn	Expected, not yet announced	11am, registration from 10.15am (2026)	Online registration required	Kinghorn RNLI Facebook page
Dornoch	Expected, not yet announced	11am (2026)	Check with organisers	ESRA Dornoch Facebook page
Portpatrick	Expected, not yet announced	10am (2026)	Free to enter	Portpatrick Loony Dook Facebook page
No reliable information
Limekilns	Unknown	Not confirmed since 2025	£10 in 2025	No current organiser channel found
Dunbar	Unknown, no sign of a revival since 2020	Not confirmed since 2020	Unknown	No current organiser channel found

A few of these are worth a bit more detail.

Broughty Ferry is the one to look at if you want something locked in. It’s run by Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association, a Broughty Ferry swimming club founded in 1884, and the Dook itself goes back to 1891 according to the club’s own first minutes. By their reckoning it has only ever been called off once, in 2021. Every single figure has changed from last year, mind. The 2026 event was at 1pm and cost £16 for adults. For 2027 it’s 10am and £20. Don’t plan off last year’s numbers, and don’t leave the entry until Christmas, because the online form closes on the 7th December and there’s no signing up on the day.

Portobello is the one I’d point most people towards if South Queensferry’s silence is making you nervous. It has no formal organiser at all, which is why it never gets pre-announced, and also why it happens every year regardless. People turn up at the beach and dook throughout the day. It ran on the 1st January 2026 with hundreds of people taking part.

North Berwick works the same way. The dook at West Beach is a spontaneous gathering rather than an official event, and most people go in around noon. It ran on the 1st January 2026 with dozens of dookers and a decent crowd watching. If you’re staying in East Lothian, this is your closest option, and it needs no more planning than turning up with a towel.

Limekilns and Dunbar are the two I’d rather be upfront about. Limekilns charged £10 to take part in 2025 and Dunbar was last held in 2020, but I haven’t been able to find a working organiser channel or any independent confirmation for either since. If you’re set on one of those two, ask locally rather than trusting a figure on a website (including this one).

Note that I try to keep the above list up to date every year with the latest announcements, but many of these dooks are informal affairs with volunteers managing them, so it can be a bit hit or miss when information is released.