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PICTURES: Wild swimmers brave the elements for solstice dip and catch glimpse of sunrise





Two groups of wild swimmers took to the cold Caithness waters around the Wick area to celebrate the rising of the summer solstice sun on Saturday morning.

The KW1 Koolwater Sw1mmers swam at the Trinkie while a few miles further north, a group called the Staxigoe Selkies swam at their local harbour, in the village they take their name from.

KW1 Koolwater Sw1mmers watch as the sun rises over the Trinkie, marking the summer solstice. Picture supplied
KW1 Koolwater Sw1mmers watch as the sun rises over the Trinkie, marking the summer solstice. Picture supplied
Swimmers at the Trinkie celebrate the solstice sunrise. Picture supplied
Swimmers at the Trinkie celebrate the solstice sunrise. Picture supplied

Roz Fleming from the KW1 group said the members have kept up their annual tradition of dipping at sunrise to celebrate the summer solstice at the Trinkie.

“After three disappointing years of ‘no show’ from the sun, there was much excitement when the sun made a very brief appearance on the horizon,” she addded.

Davina Talbot, who also swims with the group and is a committee member of the Trinkie Heritage Preservation Group said: “The weather is something we can’t control. This is the fourth year we have tried.

KW1 Koolwater Sw1mmers braved the cold for their annual solstice swim. Picture supplied
KW1 Koolwater Sw1mmers braved the cold for their annual solstice swim. Picture supplied

“One of these years we’ll get a full sunrise, but just that quick glimpse of the sun at 4.04am was magical, and certainly worth the very early 3.30am dip. We were buzzing.

“We started meeting for our summer solstice dip a few years ago with just a couple of us attending, but I’m thrilled at how popular it’s now become, with both local and visiting dippers.”

Davina said there were at least six cars parked up nearby on the road, hoping to see the sunrise. She said she’s been trying to make the solstice dip an annual tradition and recalled how she originally started the group with just one other person, her friend Melissa Green. Even damage to the Trinkie’s wall failed to stop the enthusiastic group of KW1 swimmers.

Swimmers at the Trinkie get their phones and devices ready to capture the solstice sunrise. Picture supplied
Swimmers at the Trinkie get their phones and devices ready to capture the solstice sunrise. Picture supplied
Davina Talbot, left, with fellow wild swimmer Elaine Rosie. Picture supplied
Davina Talbot, left, with fellow wild swimmer Elaine Rosie. Picture supplied

Then after a quick warm up, the hardcore swimmers joined the Staxigoe Selkies and a group of 30 visiting dippers from the Cairngorms for another solstice swim at Staxigoe Harbour at 7.30am, followed by a “delicious breakfast buffet of pastries, bacon rolls, cakes and alcohol-free Nosecco”.

Anne Campbell from the Staxigoe Selkies said the group of wild swimmers has been going for over four years and also celebrates the annual summer solstice.

A fair contingent of Staxigoe Selkies and others swam in the waters of Staxigoe harbour for the solstice event.
A fair contingent of Staxigoe Selkies and others swam in the waters of Staxigoe harbour for the solstice event.
Solstice swimmers brave the waters at Staxigoe harbour.
Solstice swimmers brave the waters at Staxigoe harbour.
Two happy wild swimmers at Staxigoe.
Two happy wild swimmers at Staxigoe.

“This year, we were contacted by a lady, Carol Murray, who is part of the Loch Insh swimmers. She asked if she could join us. So, on Saturday, June 21, we all met at Staxigoe. The Staxigoe Selkies were joined by KW1 Koolwater Sw1mmers, three from Canada staying at the holiday cottage above the harbour, and the Loch Insh swimmers.

“Twenty-nine of us swam for the solstice with a buffet breakfast. It was a fantastic gathering with lots of smiles, laughter, and new friendships made. Just people sharing the same thing, a love for the sea.”

Refreshments after the Staxigoe swim.
Refreshments after the Staxigoe swim.
Pastries were handed out to those who attended.
Pastries were handed out to those who attended.
Enjoying a brunch after the Staxigoe swim.
Enjoying a brunch after the Staxigoe swim.

More info on the Staxigoe Selkies can be found on the group’s Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/groups/203445159068927/

KW1 Koolwater Sw1mmers is on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/1193077184473708

Davina added: “It was such fun, especially making memories with others who share our love of the sea.”

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