The New Year's Day Dook

Happy new year!

Whilst most people around the world wake up nursing a full blown hangover on New Year's Day some Dundonians prefer to throw themselves into the freezing cold River Tay at 2pm for the annual New Year's Day dook - crazy - yes. Actually I think it is a tradition all over Scotland and people continue to do this regardless of the weather - this was definitely the case this year with snow and ice covering the beach and harbour and a big sign next to the registration point stating that the water temperature was an extremely chilly 2 degrees, brrrrr.

This is the first year I have actually been there to watch and I didn't realise just how big an event it was, i thought there might be 100 or so people but I'm sure there were thousands - not all silly enough to go for a dook though! We went to cheer on a friend Craig Flemming who was this years unfortunate soul unlucky enough to have been nominated by the other guys and he managed, survived and I'm sure will never do it again.

Next year however the challenge has been set - the girls (Jenny and Eileen) have shaken hands and agreed to rise to the challenge, I however did not shake on it, thank goodness, but will probably have to put up with lots of persuasion throughout 2010 - it WILL not work.

2008 - Kevin McGinley

2009 - Craig Towns

2010 - Craig Flemming

2011 - ??????????