Ann Marie Wilson, facilities manager at the Lodge on Loch Lomond, said 20 members of staff from the Lodge on Loch Lomond and the Inn on Loch Lomond were nominated on Sunday, August 17, by Siobhan McFettridge, from housekeeping, and everyone had 48 hours to get a soaking or pay the forfeit fine.

Most people undertaking the challenge place their feet in a bucket of ice water, and then have water dumped on their heads by a willing helper, however the hotel staff decided to take their nomination to ‘another level’ by jumping into the loch.

Ann Marie said: “When we jumped into the water it was so cold and took our breath away. Even the swans and ducks came along to see what was going on.

“We have a great team of people working within the lodge and the inn and this encouraged great team spirit and we all had a really good laugh.

“Due to the hotels being very busy we have had to stagger the challenge over the course of the week but we have certainly entertained our guests who have all been watching from the terrace or the balconies.

“There are a few people who were really brave and overcame some fears with jumping into the water. Great fun was had by everyone who took part especially for a great cause.” Ann, Niall, and Ross Colquhoun, members of the family who own the Lodge and Inn on Loch Lomond; Nigel Bird, general manager; Heather Conway, front of house manager; Carla Stokes, assistant housekeeping manager; and Ann-Marie Wilson, facilities manager, all took part in the challenge along with several members of staff from various departments.

Nigel Bird and Niall Colquhoun stayed in the loch to ensure the safety of the staff throughout the challenge.

Staff member Anne Marie Kennedy decided not to jump in the water at the last minute and instead braved the traditional bucket challenge.

After the challenge each participant donated £3 to MacMillan by texting ‘ice’ to 70550. If anyone did not complete the challenge they had to text ‘fine’ to donate £10 to the charity.