BTO’s Batman takes the plunge for charity!

New Year’s Day 2026 got off to a chilling start across the UK as brave souls welcomed the year with icy plunges into seas, rivers and lochs — and Loch Lomond was no exception.

Cold-water dips are a longstanding festive tradition, blending community spirit, courage and celebration, and despite challenging conditions, the show very much went on at Cameron House Marina.

Loch Lomond Waterski Club had planned its annual New Year’s Day charity waterski event, but severe weather warnings forced a last-minute rethink. Undeterred, club members swapped skis for sheer determination and plunged straight into the freezing waters instead — all in support of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) and Save the Children UK.

Stealing the spotlight was Paul Motion, newly appointed Director of Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland, who arrived in full, and very convincing, Batman costume. Living up to his alter ego, Paul leapt heroically off the jetty alongside fellow club members also in fancy dress.

Paul said:

If you can’t water ski because of the wind, jump off the jetty! It was great fun and a pleasure to do this for two special children’s charities. With both air and water temperatures hovering around a bone-numbing 4°C, the plunge was not for the faint-hearted.

Paul added with a grin:

Well done to all the hardy souls who took the plunge. P.S., I was wearing a wetsuit and buoyancy vest under that costume. I didn’t overdo the turkey and roast potatoes!

A heroic start to the year — proving that when conditions change, community spirit (and a bit of Batman bravery) can still save the day. 🦇❄️