HUNDREDS of people braved bitter winds and near-freezing conditions for an annual New Year's Day dip.

Courageous 'dookers' immersed themselves in the cold waters of the Gareloch, at Rhu Marina in Helensburgh.

The event is organised every year to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

A crowd of 210 people took part yesterday, watched on by cheering crowds of friends and family.

Fundraisers also took to the icy cold waters of Loch Lomond for a sponsored water ski.

Many donned fancy dress for the event at Cameron House Marina, including veteran water-skier Campbell Cavana, 62, who opted for a costume from the horror film Scream.

More than 1000 swimmers also took to the icy cold waters of the Firth of Forth for the annual Loony Dook.

The New Year's Day event at South Queensferry attracted people from near and far, with participants from countries including Australia, France and Germany joining hardy locals for a dip.

Many participants chose to don fancy dress for the dook, while others braved the water in swimming costumes.

The dook has been a fixture in Scotland's calendar for more than 25 years.

This years event also kicked off Scotland's Year of Homecoming, a year-long programme of events which will run alongside the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup.

Highlights include a "whisky month", in spring, the Edinburgh festivals and events to mark the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.

linzi.watson@eveningtimes.co.uk