Festival goers gearing up for RockNess are warned to stay safe

WITH only seven days until one of the Highland’s most monstrous festivals kicks off, the countdown to RockNess has officially began.

Famed for it’s stunning backdrop set in the tiny village of Dores, overlooking Loch Ness, round-the-clock work has now begun assembling the many stages and camping areas where thousands of revellers will spend the weekend.

Now in it’s sixth year RockNess has gone from strength to strength and this year is gearing up to be no different. Major acts such as Kasabian, The Chemical Brothers and Paolo Nutini plus Glasvegas look set to rock festival performing on different stages across the weekend.

However on the run up to the event, revellers have been warned to take a sensible approach to the festival and don’t risk bringing illegal substances near the area.

Event Commander Superintendent Stevie Mackay from Northern Constabulary spoke to the Highland News about the risks of bringing drugs or taking drugs at RockNess.

He said: "The message is clear from pervious years, and will be the same this year, that if you bring drugs you are very likely to get caught and not only will you miss the whole weekend, but you’ll face criminal charges, so don’t risk it."

Superintendent Mackay added that there will be a strong police presence at the festival, as in previous years.

He said: "The policing will be appropriate to the number of people who will be at the festival. There will be plain clothing and uniformed officers at the event, as in previous years. However we do want to take a community approach to the festival and want to engage with the public in a positive way, so we would encourage people to be safe and to enjoy the event in a safe way."

Iain MacKay, resilience advisor for the Scottish Ambulance Service, said the majority of casualties who were conveyed to Raigmore Hospital at last year’s RockNess suffered broken bones or fractures.

He said: "Last year there was heavy rain downpours which obviously create muddy conditions. That meant that people were obviously slipping and falling. I would encourage people to wear sensible footwear and come prepared. It might be sunny one day, but the weather is changeable. Little things make a big difference. And also if the weather stays sunny, bring sun cream and drink plenty of water which is widely available."

Mr MacKay said the other major reason people need treatment is over indulgence in alcohol.

He said: "It’s a festival and obviously we understand a large number of people will be consuming alcohol over the weekend. However we would just encourage people to pace themselves. The festival lasts for three days so there’s no rush."

Lorraine Mann, NHS Highland Senior Health Promotion Specialist for Sexual Health and Young People, said young people, if they intend not to get "entangled" should come prepared.

She said: "Take care of your sexual health at RockNess - male or female bring condoms with you. If you are determined not to get entangled, when people indulge in alcohol, sometimes they would do things they wouldn’t dream of normally doing. We hope all your RockNess souvenirs will be positive ones - not positive test results."

And David Haas, Highland Council area manager, said there was going to be some slight changes to the RockNess set up this year.

He said: "We work very closely with a number of agencies to ensure the festival keeps developing and getting better for the people that attend the festival. This year the stage will be a bit further up and there will be some changes to vehicle access, however the parking and the camping areas will be the same. We aim to adjust the festival and make small changes that will mean a better weekend for the festival goes year on year."