Watch hilarious footage of South Queensferry friends' unofficial Loony Dook for charity

Pub pals brave a dip in the Forth to raise funds for Parkinson's UK

HILARIOUS video has emerged of a group of fundraisers braving the sharp shallows of the Forth in their own unofficial Loony Dook.

Mobile phone footage captured on New Year’s Day shows the shrieking band - one bare-chested and another in a dressing gown - heading into the water.

They took on the chilly challenge to help fund medical research after a fellow regular at the Stag Head Hotel in South Queensferry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The Parkinson's dookers prepare for action

“The thing with the official one is that you have to be there from two hours before and stand around - it’s freezing,” said organiser Alison Gillon, 49.

What started out as a bit of banter between friends ended up with more than a dozen taking the plunge.

The group, spanning four decades in age with the youngest hardy soul just nine years-old, met at the Stag for some pre-dook Dutch courage.

It was here they met pal Malcolm Stubbs, 78, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease before Christmas.

“Our preparation was to meet up for a pint at the Stag,” said Alison.

One of the more experienced dookers was Alison’s son George, who at just 13 is already a veteran of four events.

The mini marvel started the official Loony Dook for Cancer Research after his dad, Ian Hardie, died in 2012 of bowel cancer, aged 57.

“It’s incredibly cold, especially when it hits your middle and goes over your shoulders - it takes the breath from you,” said Alison. “It clears away your hangover from Hogmanay.”

The group have already raised £700 for Parkinson’s UK with further donations accepted at their fundraising page.

One well-wisher posted with their donation: “Well done all. Hope the water was nice and warm.”