THOUSANDS of hardy souls have made a splash in icy waters across Scotland through a host of New Year Loony Dooks.

Hundreds of dippy revellers took to the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry for what has become the most high profile of the Dooks.

A deluge of over 500 people decided to to with the flow and, dressed as the Loch Ness monster, others as vikings, clowns and pirates, were not put off by heavy rain as they cringed and chattered in the chilly briny.

There were ill-advised Santa mankinis on display, some dressed up in a suit and a tie, there were more than a few sodden kilts and even Superted got his oar in.

Many had travelled thousands of miles to join in the Edinburgh Hogmanay party while raising thousands of pounds for charity at the same time.

Hammad N'show, 42, a student from New York took to the water with his tour group, who all wore kilts and Viking hats.

He said: "It was cold as hell. All of us went in. It was freezing but lots of fun.

"Scotland is lots of fun and the people here have been really friendly."

Edinburgh's Lord Provost Donald Wilson even took a dip while opening a bottle of champagne to bring in the New Year with fellow revellers. He was raising money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

A stream of stalwart loonies ensured there was a record attendance at the New Year's Dook in St Andrews despite not having the best weather.

The pipers sounding out Scotland The Brave seemed apt as around 300 took an early dip at Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association's popular Broughty Ferry dook at the harbour with Dundee Lord Provost Bob Duncan leading the charge

A record 385 took part in the sixth New Year's Day Cromarty Splash & Dash with several hundred spectators cheering on the antics.

There were other dooks at Arbroath, Carnoustie, Kirkcaldy, Limekilns and Stonehaven where dippers were raising funds for CLIC Sargent.

The madness was not just confined to the east of Scotland.

Members and friends of the Loch Lomond Water Ski Club braved the element for a bout of fancy dress water skiing in aid of Childrens' Hospice Association Scotland at Cameron House Marina.