Around 100 Scots take 'inspiring' dip in North Sea to mark International Women's Day

Around 100 hardy Scots braved the cold on Friday for an “inspiring” dip in the North Sea to mark International Women’s Day.

Organised by wild swimming group Bob and Blether, the cold water swimming event took place at Kingsbarns beach near St Andrews in Fife.

Raising funds for Women’s Aid in Dundee, the event has raised £4,000 for the charity.

The charity said funds raised will help support service users, from purchasing birthday presents for families and children they support, to organising days out and activities.

Wild swimming at Kingsbarns beach in Fife to mark International Women's Day — Wild swimming at Kingsbarns beach in Fife to mark International Women’s Day STV News

Women who took part in the swim said marking International Women’s Day in this manner is empowering, with one participant saying cold water swimming has helped bring back her confidence after struggling with menopausal symptoms.

Activity host Bunny Love-Schock said: “I think it’s so easy for us to feel inspired by one another when we come together in this way and when we feel inspired and there’s kinship and joy and suddenly the world seems like a friendlier place and we can just get stuff done.”

Caroline Blair, co-founder of Bob and A Blether, added: “It doesn’t make sense to run into the North Sea. We get it. It’s not lost on us. But what you feel when you’re in that water, your body feels amazing. Your mind feels amazing.

“And to connect with other women or men, we have a men’s group as well, but to do that with other people is such a special privilege.”