It may not seem like the most productive way to study.
But hundreds of students braved the freezing morning waters of the North Sea in a bid to boost their exam marks.
Hordes of University of St Andrews students ran into the sea as the sun rose yesterday morning as part of their traditional May Dip.
They made the plunge in the hope it brings them good luck for their upcoming exams, and the annual dip came the morning after their annual torchlit procession along the town’s historic pier.
Hundreds took part in the annual Gaudie Procession on Wednesday, with students walking along the newly reopened 14th century pier which had been closed following storm damage.
Meanwhile thousands made their way to Edinburgh’s Calton Hill to celebrate the annual Beltane Fire Festival.
Students from St Andrews University take part in the traditional May Day dip into the North Sea
Performers take part in the Beltane Fire Festival, inspired by ancient Celtic and Pagan May day rituals
Students from the University of St Andrews on the East Sands in Fife.
Some found the waters colder than others, and this student doesn’t seem to have been having a great time
These students are clearly enjoying themselves on their morning swim
Some more enthused than others: The traditional May Day dip this morning
Last month was Scotland’s second sunniest April on record, with the Met Office recording more than double the usual levels for the country
Water scarcity alerts have been issued by the agency for 17 areas amid the dry April which saw less than a third of the month’s typical rainfall in parts
Sea temperatures in and around St Andrews yesterday were about 9 to 10c, and as the sun rose the air temperature was around 13c
Wednesday was the hottest day of the year so far in Scotland, with temperatures soaring to 24.4c.
But yesterday conditions were cooling, reaching 17c in Edinburgh, 14c in Glasgow, and 19c near St Andrews, and are set to be even more mild come the weekend.
Last month was Scotland’s second sunniest April on record, with the Met Office recording more than double the usual levels for the country.
But the warm and sunny conditions have taken their toll on water levels, with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency issuing a warning for the east coast.
Water scarcity alerts have been issued by the agency for 17 areas amid the dry April which saw less than a third of the month’s typical rainfall in parts.
The warmest temperature yesterday was 20.9c at Charterhall, Berwickshire.
Sea temperatures in and around St Andrews yesterday were about 9 to 10c, and as the sun rose the air temperature was around 13c.
