Polar Bears and Penguins spotted in Moray Firth
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A group of swimmers from Lossiemouth are braving the water during winter as part of the UK-wide Polar Bear Challenge.
The friends are all part of the Lossie Cod Heids, an informal cold water swimming group who take the plunge at Lossiemouth West Beach and other spots in Moray.
Alison Read formed the group with neighbour Sheelagh Smith in August last year.
She said "We all enjoy a dip in the sea, and swam regularly throughout last winter in temperatures as low as 5 degrees C.
"Our dips are just fun and social but this year some of us wanted to challenge ourselves a little more."
The Polar Bear Challenges run the start of November to the end of March each year.
The aim is to complete a set number of swims and distances either in the sea, a river, a lake or an unheated lido.
'Polar bears' must swim only in normal swimsuits and swim hats.
'Penguins', meanwhile, can choose to wear wetsuits or neoprene swim socks to complete their distances.
Sheelagh said: "We're so lucky to live where we do and going for a dook in the sea just makes you feel fantastic, even if it's only for a few minutes.
"The Cod Heids Facebook group now has over 300 members, it's a really friendly community and there are groups at Hopeman, Nairn, Cullen and Banff too."
Back in March, the group organised a dawn swim as part of International Women's Day.
The event saw over 100 swimmers line up at sunrise to dip in the sea and raised over £2000 for Moray Rape Crisis.
Fellow Cod Heid, Laura Thomson, says "There's been a huge rise in interest in cold water swimming this year, partly due to media interest in the potential benefits of cold water immersion on mental health.
"However, cold water can be very dangerous if you're not properly prepared.
"Anyone thinking about having a go should first read the safety information on the Outdoor Swimming Society website, or, of course, join a local swim group."
Under the current Covid restrictions, the Cod Heids are not holding any group swims until further notice.
However individuals can use the group to meet others for socially distanced swims as appropriate.
