Advice issued for RockNess revellers
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Left to right: Rachel Evans, Iain MacKay, Graham Robertson and superintendent Stevie MacKay
EMERGENCY services are issuing advice to festival goers ahead of RockNess — which starts next Friday (10th June).
At least 20,000 people a day are expected to arrive at the annual music event at Dores, on the shores of Loch Ness.
Police aim to tackle drugs and alcohol abuse throughout the three-day festival.
"As with previous years we are looking forward to RockNess, which in particular has enjoyed a relatively low level of crime and serious incidents," said event commander superintendent Stevie MacKay.
"However we are not complacent and a considerable amount of planning has gone into this year’s event to ensure that not only RockNess is sufficiently policed, but that the rest of the force area is unaffected.
Thousands expected again at RockNess
He added: "The message is clear from previous years in that if you bring drugs you’re very likely to get caught and not only will you miss the whole weekend you’ll face criminal charges, so don’t risk it."
The last two years have seen reductions in crime and medical incidents.
Iain MacKay of the Scottish Ambulance Service said: "Simple things such as making your friends aware of medication that you’re taking, making sure you have enough to last the weekend, taking enough sunscreen to last the weekend, and keeping hydrated, whether it is sunny or not, will help you stay healthy at RockNess 2011."
Sun cream and drinking water were advised by event first aid manager Rachel Evans, from British Red Cross.
Meanwhile, Suzy Calder, the substance misuse strategy and implementation manager for the Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, said festival goers should remember to eat well and avoid taking unnecessary risks when it comes to alcohol and drugs.
"If you can’t say no, you should at least let a close and reliable friend know what you’ve taken so that, if you need medical help, we have a clear picture of what’s going on," she said.
"Bear in mind that you have no idea what you’re buying or exposing yourself to when you decide to take drugs. Some drugs can be mixed with a variety of cheap hazardous substances which could cause your body untold harm."
Firefighter Graham Robertson warned of fire risks from smoking near tents pitched close together.
*More in Tuesday’s Courier.
