Photographer, founder of Edinburgh Blue Balls and one of Edinburgh’s biggest advocates for real-life connection.
For years, i-on magazine’s My i-on Edinburgh interviews offered a glimpse into the people who make Edinburgh what it is. We’re bringing that spirit back with A Local Life With, a new series exploring the habits, places, passions and stories of the people shaping life in and around the city.
First up is photographer and Edinburgh Blue Balls founder Marc Millar.
“People are lonely as f**k and pretending they’re fine isn’t really working anymore.”
Tell us about Edinburgh Blue Balls…
Edinburgh Blue Balls is a bunch of guys getting in cold water, chatting shite and looking after each other. Something that’s fun and challenging to break up your week.
I decided this needed to exist when…
I was struggling a bit myself and realised loads of men were feeling isolated but didn’t have spaces to connect properly.
Straight after Covid, I was standing in Porty watching groups of women swimming together, chatting and having fires on the beach. It hit me that men didn’t really have spaces to connect in the same way, so I posted a photo on my own Instagram and asked if anyone was interested in a men’s mental health coldwater dipping group.
Spaces like this matter right now because…
…people are lonely as fuck and pretending they’re fine isn’t really working anymore.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
What I wish more people understood…
“Community can genuinely change lives.”
Sometimes just being around the right people consistently is enough to keep someone going. That can be a swim group, running group, hiking group; anything that gets you out of your own loneliness or routine.
What I’m most proud of building is…
I never expected Blue Balls to become this crazy supportive community. People check in on each other, open up properly and feel like they’ve got somewhere they belong. Sometimes we have around 40 guys showing up every Sunday Service dip in Portobello.
The advice that’s stayed with me and I’d share with someone else…
Don’t disappear into yourself. Message someone. Come to a dip. You don’t need to have the perfect words before reaching out.
LIFE BEYOND THE DIPS
I left school really early after an art teacher helped me get a job with a local photographer down in Galloway. I basically lived in his darkroom. He was this nomad hippy with an old camper van and I remember thinking that looked like a pretty good life.
For me, success looks like…
Guys being open and vulnerable, checking in on each other and feeling like they’ve got somewhere they belong.
What are you trying to make more space for in your life or work?
Trying to keep my photography work enjoyable by working with brands I can relate to. At the end of the day, I am straight home to looking after my 2 daughters – I am a one-man band, so as soon as I come in the door after a day’s shoot I am a full-time parent. I do all my admin when they have gone to bed, so life is full on, and admin takes a back seat. I want to be the best parent I can be and value the time I spend with my daughters. My youngest is non-verbal autistic and has albinism, so she can be a handful, but she has taught me more than anyone in this world.
I’m making more space for…
Quality time with my kids, switching off from work.
Recently I’ve swapped…
Mindless scrolling and isolation for cold water dips, community and real-life connection.
“When you get to 50, you realise spending time with your family and friends doing things you want to do rather than boring life admin and working all hours is a lot more important than making money.”
MARC’S EDINBURGH
If I’m showing Edinburgh to friends I’d take them to…
The lounge at W Edinburgh for sunset panoramic views over the city.
My all-time happy place is…
Portobello Beach at sunrise.
A secret place you don’t mind sharing…
Some of the reservoirs and rivers around Edinburgh are incredible for cold water dipping. I love getting in my wee camper van and finding new places. I love East Neuk of Fife, the coastline, saunas and little pubs are perfect for a quick escape from Edinburgh.
My recent find
Hot & Bothy Sauna in East Lothian and Traaade coffee shop.
The place I go when I want to switch off
Soul Water Sauna in Granton, watching the sunset or Monday night Broga classes with Jen McGregor.
My perfect Edinburgh morning is…
Sunday Service dip with the guys, followed by a coffee at The Little Green Van with all the dippers.
QUICK FIRE EDINBURGH
Where you’ll find me – In the sea, sauna or if having a beer, Portobello Tap
Coffee shop – Traade or The Little Green Van or Little Fitzroy.
Lunch spot – A van picnic with an Aemilia sandwich.
Restaurant – Lucky Yu.
Shop – Portobello Book Shop, or Para Daiza menswear.
Me time – Sauna sessions, Broga or getting in the camper van and finding a quiet swim spot.
Where I want to go but haven’t been yet – Dogstar in Leith and a new Noodle bar in Portobello called Lanznoodle.
Any local businesses you love and why – Soul Water Sauna because nothing beats a sauna and cold water combination at sunset.
Favourite walk – A wander along Portobello Promenade to Groyne 4, which is where Edinburgh Blue Balls dip every Sunday, which holds a special place in my heart.
The view that never gets old – Sunset panoramic views from Longniddry looking over to Edinburgh and the bridges.
FINAL THOUGHTS…
“Blue Balls is a bunch of guys getting in cold water, chatting shite and looking after each other.”
The BlueBalls Annual is a community-built coffee-table annual celebrating men’s stories, cold-water culture, and the power of connection. Volume 1 features honest portraits and personal reflections that shine a light on vulnerability, friendship, and the healing ritual of the sea.
Our mission is simple: open conversations, reduce stigma, and show that no man has to go through life alone.
Any donations support year-round men’s mental health initiatives such as this annual, and our open-to-all community dips in Portobello.
Find out more and grab a copy here
Follow Marc Millar Photography on Instagram
Follow Edinburgh Blue Balls on Instagram
Edinburgh Blue Balls is a registered Charity.
