Partners want to ensure a safe and secure Belladrum 2012

Multi-agency partners (Northern Constabulary, NHS Highland, Highland Council, Scottish Ambulance Service, the British Red Cross and Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership) want Belladrum 2012 festival goers to have a safe and secure event.

The boutique festival takes place at Belladrum Estate, Beauly over the weekend of 3 -5 August and is expected to attract around 15,000 daily, with the vast majority of attendees camping for the weekend. The festival is now in its ninth year and has become nationally recognised as the pre-eminent family festival in Scotland.

In this regard, all the agencies are keen to reassure the public that the necessary measures are in place to maximise public safety at this year's event.

The safety and welfare of festival goers is paramount to the success of the festival, according to Event Commander, Acting Chief Inspector Archie Henderson from the Force's East Division.

He said: "Belladrum 2012 is a sell out and the policing effort will be geared towards ensuring that revellers enjoy themselves, without compromising their own or other’s safety.

"As with Rockness, we will be employing our tried and tested community based approach to policing, which has served us well at similar events in the past.

"There is a different crowd dynamic at Belladrum, given the fact there are more families and a wider age range of attendees, however, we cannot afford to be complacent and we will deal robustly with any instances of disorder, anti-social behaviour or drug misuse."

It is inevitable that given the volume of youngsters attending that the potential for underage drinking increases. Officers are aware of this and will take the appropriate action.

Festival goers are reminded that the Terms and Conditions of their tickets clearly state that persons under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Acting Chief Inspector Henderson said: "All the agencies have dealt with cases where youngsters have either intentionally, or inadvertently, separated from parents/responsible adults and the repatriation process can be fraught and time consuming. It can also impact on agencies ability to deliver other services.”

He is also urging revellers not to drink to excess during the weekend and risk spoiling the event for themselves or others. Any instances of anti-social behaviour will be dealt with by Police or stewards. Those engaging in this type of behaviour will be ejected or in the more serious cases arrested.

He said: "Belladrum is a family orientated festival which has proved to be a very pleasurable experience for attendees and we want to ensure that the minority do not spoil it for the majority."

Police will adopt a pro-active approach to drugs at the event and again members of the public are asked to report any instances of drug dealing or suspicious activity to the nearest Police officer.

Due to the ever changing Highland climate Police would also advise revellers to bring suitable clothing for all types of weather to protect them from the wet, cold or heat depending on what the weekend brings.

On a final note Acting Chief Inspector Henderson added: "We hope this year's Belladrum festival is as successful as previous years and Northern Constabulary and its partner agencies will be there to promote and maximise public safety. We want revellers to make the most of their weekend, have fun and stay safe."

Karen Carson, Health Promotion Specialist with NHS Highland said: "It’s great news that Crew 2000 will be at Belladrum to provide Welfare both in the main arena and the general campsite. Anyone with concerns about drugs or alcohol or their sexual health should speak to them during the event – they will have information available and be able to signpost you to the appropriate services.

"It is crucial that festival goers take their health seriously at Belladrum. If you are planning on drinking alcohol try to pace yourself, make sure you eat well, have a spacer instead of a chaser (i.e. make every alternate drink something soft). Drink water to keep well hydrated and be aware of ‘units’ (think about switching to a drink of lower strength (i.e. if you drink 5% lager change to a 4% one) and don’t drink and drive – remember that you may still be over the limit the morning after, so if you are planning on driving home at the end of the festival make sure you take this into consideration.”

Karen also explained that the safest option for festival goers is not to take any street drugs such as ecstasy or ‘legal highs.’ These substances can be dangerous particularly when mixed with alcohol or other substances. Legal does not mean "safe". Drugs like ecstasy and many ‘legal highs’ can affect the body’s temperature control and dancing for long periods in a hot atmosphere can increase the chances of overheating and dehydrating.

She said: "Those unable to abstain from taking drugs should take regular breaks from dancing to cool down. They should be careful about fluid intake and reduce the risks by sipping fluids roughly a pint of water every hour and to avoid drinking alcohol. Festival goers are urged to look out for their friends – if they have taken drugs or alcohol they may not be aware that they are in trouble. If you are concerned about a friend, get help immediately.

"I’d also like to remind everyone that the party atmosphere at Festivals can put people in the mood for love and I would urge festival goers to take their sexual health seriously. If you are planning on having a fling at the Tartan Heart Festival the message is really simple; keep it covered – keep it safe! Don’t forget to pack condoms in your festival kit. Condoms and dams are widely available from GP practices, sexual health clinics, Brook and Waverley Care, free of charge – they can also be purchased in supermarkets and pharmacies.”

Nigel Stafford from British Red Cross said: "Belladrum is an event that attracts a wide range of festival goers. All the agencies that work together to make the event a success want everyone to go home at the end of the weekend having had a fantastic time. People who are attending are asked to consider the weather and take appropriate clothing and footwear.

"It gets very cold at night, especially if it rains so take something to keep you dry if it does rain. Drink plenty of water – dehydration is a common problem at festivals. Keep an eye on your friends, especially if they have been overdoing it. If you feel unwell, go to one of the First Aid Posts and get help.”

David Haas, Inverness City Manager, at The Highland Council, said: "Belladrum has established itself as a regular – high-profile event which brings significant benefit to the city of Inverness and the Highlands.

"The Council is once again pleased to work with our multi-agency planning partners and the event organisers to deliver a successful Festival which all can enjoy in a hospitable and safe environment.”

Graham Robertson from Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service said: "At music festivals there is a risk of fire and it spreading due to tents being pitched close together and a number of people smoking in close proximity. People should not smoke inside or close to tents and should take care and make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished before getting rid of them.

"If cooking, ensure you do so in the designated barbeque areas or alternatively take advantage of the many varied food concessions at the event and reduce that risk from fire. Remember it is important not to operate a barbeque or camping stove whilst under the influence of alcohol.”

Iain Mackay Resilience Manager at the Scottish Ambulance Service said: "Anyone taking medication should let their friends know what it is and make sure that they bring enough with them to the festival. Everyone should keep hydrated, whether or not it’s sunny and bring clothing for all conditions.”

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