Pink ladies take the plunge in Karen's memory

ONLY in Burghead can you watch Santa Claus joined by penguins, giraffes and super heroes plunging into the chilly Moray Firth waters on Boxing Day.

The village’s annual festive charity extravaganza attracted a record 200 swimmers this year, meaning a huge boost for its three nominated charities.

One good cause set to benefit is Maggie’s Highland Cancer Centre, a charity which prompted one woman to fly all the way from London on the day of the swim to take part.

A group of seventeen pink ladies did the sponsored plunge in memory of former Moray Leisure Centre employee Karen Irvine, who passed away in New Zealand earlier this year.

Karen’s sister, Elaine Farrington, made the journey from her home in Andover, Kent, to join the pink posse taking the plunge in front of a big crowd at Burghead harbour.

Amanda Mackie, one of the pink girls who helped organise their charity effort, said many of the team had joined Karen in doing the swim in past years and were keen to do a fitting tribute.

She added that Maggie’s Highland Cancer Centre supported Karen, her husband David and her three children when she was based in Scotland.

Proceeds from the record-breaking swim also provided a big lifeline to this year’s main nominated charity, the Moray Friends of ARCHIE appeal.

ARCHIE’s project to fund a major redevelopment of the children’s ward at Dr Gray’s hospital in Elgin, was nearing the £100,000 target, with the cash donated from the swim set to smash it through the barrier.

Money raised this year will also go to CLAN cancer care’s Elgin branch.

Don’t miss next week’s Northern Scot print edition for a full picture spread and more stores from this year’s Burghead Boxing Day Swim.

More photos will also be available on the Northern Scot website.