Working for a safe Belladrum festival

The festival returns to the Belladrum Estate near Beauly from Thursday 4 August 2016 and is expected to attract around 18,000 people.

Police Scotland has been working with NHS Highland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, Highland Council, the British Red Cross and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in order to support the organisers deliver another successful event.

Police Scotland Event Commander Chief Inspector Brian Mackay said: “We are pleased to be supporting the organisers as this family friendly festival returns for another year.

“Our local officers will be in attendance at the festival and I would encourage people to approach them with any concerns they may have or if you need assistance.

“The focus for us remains on keeping people safe and we will work closely with stewards to ensure the event is enjoyable for all. We will take action where required to prevent anti-social behaviour.

Chief Inspector Mackay continued: “The Festival Safety tent will return to the Red camp site again this year where officers will be available to offer advice and support for crime prevention. Voluntary drink-driving breath testing and education will be available to those who wish to check how alcohol affects them in respect of the drink drive limits.

“Additionally, mobile phones can be registered here on the Immobilise database which can thereafter assist towards phones being recovered should they be lost or stolen.

“We want everyone to enjoy the festival and to do so safely and responsibly. Don’t take unnecessary risks and remember there is no safe way to take drugs, avoid the risk by not taking any. We will actively seek out those who look to take drugs into Belladrum, we will have dedicated officers assisted by specialist dogs throughout the event. We support the organisers zero tolerance to drugs at Belladrum and that anyone found with drugs will be dealt with by police. Stay with friends and be alert.”