Broughty Ferry Community Council

Run by Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association, the New Year’s Day Dook is a tradition handed down by the fisher folk of Broughty Ferry – some of whom bathed in the waters of the Tay every a morning except on the Sabbath. This tradition dates back to 1891 as recorded in the first official minutes of the Club. The 1st of January was special, as it heralded in Neer’ Day i.e. the first day of the New Year, when the community congregated to celebrate together.

The Dook has never been cancelled no matter the weather and in 1989 we had to break the ice, with pick axes, in the harbour to be able to swim.

The Dook is the first event in Broughty Ferry and Dundee and can boast being the largest in Scotland. The event also raises valuable donations for many charities as most Dookers raise sponsorship by taking part.