Man Takes Cold Plunge in Backyard—Then Strangers Enter Unexpectedly

A Scottish man has shared the unexpected moment complete strangers walked into his backyard while he was enjoying a cold plunge.

Robert Duncan, from North Ayrshire, Scotland, who shares content on social media about recovery and addiction awareness, was filming his routine when an unknown couple casually let themselves in through the gate.

The man then struck up a conversation with Duncan—who was submerged in the freezing water—before asking about a set of crate pallets in the front yard.

"I didn't know the couple; I have no idea who they are. He took the pallets from my front garden that I told him to take," Duncan told Newsweek.

The surreal moment was caught on camera and has left people in stitches on TikTok where it has over 1.4 million views.

Robert was filming his cold plunge routine when the unexpected happened. @rabsrecovery/TikTok

In the comments, people were quick to share their amusement.

"It's the fact he didn't question you randomly sitting in a pool of water in the freezing cold," said viewer Chau Chau.

While Matthew Tate said: "This has got to be the most funniest random Scottish thing ever—guy wandering in for pallets, guy sat in a wee pool in a bobble hat."

"Get a lock on that gate," laughed heather. While another viewer said: "Erm!!! That's the politest robbery I think I've ever seen... not that I've seen any... hello, can I help you?"

"No way," viewer Scott said. "100 percent nobody would believe you if this wasn't recorded."

Reflecting on the overwhelming response, Duncan said, "I share all my stuff on TikTok with breathing and cold water. I honestly can't believe the reaction the video received—it's completely taken off, it's amazing."

Beyond the humor, Duncan's story carries a deeper message. For nearly a year, he has been following a 12-step program through Cocaine Anonymous to maintain sobriety.

"I work the 12-step program into my life every day, which gives me the tools to keep clean and sober. It's given me a new life and made me a better human being, a better partner, and a better father. Now, I help newcomers who walk through the doors of Cocaine Anonymous and try to give them hope," he said.

To learn more about treatment for all types of substance use disorder, see FindTreatment.gov or call the national helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, on 1-800-662-HELP (4357).