The event is said to date back to 1987 when three locals jokingly suggested a January 1 dip as a cure for Hogmanay hangovers. From small beginnings, the event grew in size and popularity during the 1990s, was added to the official Edinburgh Hogmanay publicity material and even broadcast live by the BBC at the millennium.
The event usually attracts around 1,000 people, many in fancy dress, to raise money for charity. And some people come from abroad to take part in the swim.
The official Loony Dook was cancelled for new year 2021 and 2022 because of Covid and the 2023 event was not included in the official Hogmanay programme, but dedicated Dookers went ahead anyway.
Scroll through these pictures to enjoy Loony Dooks past – without having to take the plunge.
5. Balancing act
Loony Dookers brave the chilly waters of the Forth to celebrate the arrival of 2013. Photo: contributed
6. Dressed to kilt
This tartan-clad pair were among the best dressed participants in the 2014 Loony Dook Photo: Neil Hanna
7. Taking a dip
Celebrating the start of 2018, these four joined plenty more taking a dip at South Queensferry on New Year's Day. Photo: Scott Louden
8. Unofficial Dook
The 2023 Loony Dook was not part of the official Hogmanay programme for 2023, but that didn't stop people enjoying a bracing dip. Photo: Andrew Milligan