Organisers hope Thurso New Year dip will be splash hit
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THE organisers of a fundraising dip in the sea on New Year's Day are hoping it will be a splash hit with the public and provide money to help improve the Thurso harbour area.
The New Year Soakin' is being staged at the town's beach at noon on January 1 and is being promoted as a fun way to generate some cash to redevelop the harbour.
Carol Paterson, the treasurer of Thurso Community Development Trust, has helped to organise the event and says it is about having a bit of fun while raising money for a good cause.
"We've been inspired by previous fundraising events like Dip with a Nip that was held a few years ago, and events similar to that take place all over Scotland on New Year's Day," she said.
"Our work in the community has shown that people in Thurso really want the harbour improved and want to see us start some sort of a tradition or annual event in the town which brings people together. We did that earlier in the year with Thurso's Got Talent, which will now be an annual event, so we thought why not have an outdoor event which is lots of fun and that everyone can take part in.
"So we came up with the New Year Soakin'. Even if you do not want to go into the sea you can come along and view the fun, get yourself a hot drink and enjoy meeting and socialising with the the rest of the community on New Year's Day."
People want to see us start some sort of a tradition or annual event in the town which brings people together.
All the funds raised will go towards harbour redevelopment. The initial plan is to improve the public toilets but then raise money for a feasibility study and consultation to decide what the community can do to improve the harbour area.
The trust took over the lease of the harbour toilets earlier this year after they were closed by Highland Council in a bid to save money. Mrs Paterson pointed out that people want to see the harbour redeveloped for the benefit of the community and visitors to the area.
To take part in dip, a minimum registration fee of £10 has to be paid. Children can take part for a £1 fee but must be accompanied by a parent or adult. Sponsorship and registration forms are available on the trust's website.
Mrs Paterson said prizes will be awarded for the best fancy dress and highest fundraiser.
Thurso RNLI, Pentland Canoe Club and Thurso Community Café are helping to stage the event.
Those taking part should be at Thurso harbour by 11.30am to get a wristband and to participate in a warm-up before taking to the water.
