Multi-agency partners report RockNess 2013 as one of safest festivals in UK
Multi-agency partners report RockNess 2013 as one of safest festivals in UK
Superintendent Stevie Mackay, Event Commander at RockNess, said: "I am delighted with how the festival has gone. Public safety is always our biggest concern and from a policing perspective the event passed very safely, with low levels of crime and disorder.
"The general behaviour of festival goers has been very good and the vast majority seemed to enjoy themselves and act responsibly. We are never complacent however, as the roads are now busy with thousands of revellers making their way home. I hope that everyone has heeded our advice about the dangers of driving whilst tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
The event passed with very few incidents of disorder and given the size of the crowd, very few incidents of note.
Police carried out 114 positive drugs searches over the weekend, significantly fewer than last year and four men, aged 18, 20, 21 and 41 were arrested at the event, in connection with being concerned in the supply of drugs.
Officers also dealt with eight cases of alleged assault, 9 breaches of the peace and 36 thefts during the course of the three day music festival. Two males have been detained in connection with an ongoing investigation into thefts at RockNess.
A total of 15 arrests were made to date with nine expected to appear in court today.
Superintendent Mackay continued: "I would like to give my thanks to all the emergency services personnel and multi-agency partners who contributed to making this one of the safest festivals in the UK.”
Iain MacKay, Medical Services Event Commander at RockNess, said: "On the whole, it was a very safe and successful event. Around 282 people were treated at the field hospital and over 400 seen at the First Aid Post. The vast majority of these were minor ailments and injuries.
"A small number of people were treated for symptoms associated with drugs and alcohol. Thanks to friends and to security workers on site, these people were brought to the field hospital and received the care they needed. Without correct medical care, their condition could have been far more serious.
"A total of 13 people were taken to Raigmore Hospital, the majority of these being minor fracture injuries and one person required further treatment for serious drug related symptoms.”
Karen Carson, representing the Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership, said: "A number of NHS staff and some Stirling University nursing students gave of their time to volunteer to support Crew 2000 with their specialist welfare provision over the weekend. Revellers were in great spirits - we had a lot of sunburnt bodies looking for aftersun, many seeking safer sex information and condom provision and many more looking for water.
"Crew also provided invaluable 'chill out' for those who had overindulged but did not necessarily require medical input. The chill-out provision they provide allows these young people to recover calmly, quietly and safely and also allows for some information provision. Their presence at RockNess releases paramedics and first aiders to deal with medical emergencies. It was particularly heartening to witness so many 'looking out for their friends' - recognising that they were in difficulty and taking them to the Welfare tent or to a police officer or security personnel who could then signpost them appropriately.
"The Street Pastors were also extremely valued, working hard into the small hours every night to keep people safe and warm.”
Station Manager Derek Wilkie, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service added: "Revellers have heeded the advice and guidance provided by the emergency services, voluntary organisations and festival organisers, with only a handful of incidents over the weekend involving barbeques, camp fires and cooking stoves which were quickly dealt with on site. There was only one report of a fire related injury where one person received minor burns following the explosion of a small camping gas canister."
The Highland Council’s Inverness City Manager David Haas said: "A lot of planning has gone on behind the scenes to ensure people have an enjoyable and safe time at RockNess. Over the weekend there has been excellent cooperation and liaison with event organisers and partner agencies throughout the festival which has assisted the Council in its regulatory role.”
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Photographs from the event can be seen on the Police Scotland "Northern Constabulary" Facebook page.