Local SNP MSP, Ruth Maguire, will be one of the brave volunteers donning fancy dress and braving the icy waters for charity on New Year’s Day.
The inaugural Irvine Beach Polar Plunge is being organised by Irvine’s Coastwatch – and will take place at 11am on 1st January 2018.
The money Ruth raises will be donated to the Irvine section of Coastwatch Scotland.
Coastwatch is a voluntary coastal safety and monitoring organisation dedicated to keeping Irivne’s coastline safe. It is run entirely by volunteers who have an interest in and concern for the safety of life at sea and on the coast. The organisation also monitors wildlife in the area and reports any problems to the relevant organisations.
Irvine Coastwatch has also recently taken ownership of the iconic Pilot House and is raising funds to restore and renovate the historic building as a watch tower. The Pilot House originally opened in 1906 and was formally known as Boyd’s Automatic Tide Signalling Apparatus – and was one of only two in the world. It was used to signal the depth of the water at the harbour with a series of light signals at night, and the raising or lowering of round, black disks on a pulley system.
Commenting, Ruth said:
“I am delighted to be taking part in the first ever Polar Plunge to take place in Irvine.
I hope that I can raise lots of money for such a great local charity, Irvine Coastwatch. As well as supporting their important day to day work watching out for people’s safety at sea and on the coast, the money raised will also support their exciting project to restore and renovate Irvine’s iconic Pilot House.
I’ve not yet decided on my costume, hoping to find something to keep me warm, maybe an actual polar bear costume would be the thing….people will have to come down on the day and find out!”
You can donate money here.
Anyone is welcome to take part in the Polar Plunge and the event is free of charge. If you would like to take part in the Irvine Beach Polar Plunge, contact Coastwatch on 01294 271855 or email Coastwatch-irvine@hotmail.co.uk
Ruth Maguire MSP 