Burghead Swim is being replaced by Boxing Day 'Boak'
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The Burghead Boxing Day Swim if off – but it's being replaced by the Burghead Boxing Day 'Boak'.
Organisers have come up with a unique idea in order to still raise money for local causes.
A spokesman for the annual event said: "We held off from making a decision for as long as we could to see if it would be possible.
"But sadly we have decided that it would not be safe or acceptable for us to hold such a large event which draws hundreds of spectators, and the rules at that time might prevent us from doing so anyway.
"However, we felt we could not let this year pass without marking Boxing Day in some unique way.
"So we have decided to hold a Burghead Boxing Day 'Boak'.
"The challenge is simple, keep any leftover food you would normally throw in the bin.
"Then get sponsored to throw this bucket of purely leftovers over you and wash yourself down in any way you want to.
"We are thinking of a bucket of ice water or a swim in the sea."
The Boak will raise money for the Moray Food Plus foodbank and the Burghead Blessing Box, which is a scheme in the village where household items and food are kept for those who need them.
The spokesperson continued: "The money will be split equally between the two, both being examples of things which have become so much more important this year than we would have ever thought.
"This is something fun to do on Boxing Day, that keeps the spirit of the swim with us all even if we cannot meet at the pier as normal.
"Please use whatever leftovers you have, nothing fancy, and if not in your own garden give the area a quick wash down afterwards.
"The committee will be looking forward to taking part in this challenge, some of them for the first time after many years of help for the swim.
"Feel free to video and upload it to our Facebook Page, and maybe even nominate a friend."
The spokesperson added that there will be no raffle this year.
They said: "Businesses are fighting for survival and we could not ask them to donate a raffle on top of this pressure.
"But, please, the next time you are shopping buy local – it really does make a difference.
"We will have a JustGiving page where people can donate money, and that will be live in the next couple days.
"We look forward to welcoming you all back to the Broch for the 2021 Burghead Boxing Day Swim."
