FOR A two-day festival involving well over 30,000 people, RockNess 2008 generally went well—although there was sadness, too.

One of the event commanders, Superintendent David O’Connor yesterday revealed mixed feelings at the conclusion of the third RockNess event.

The general picture from the weekend was positive, with no incidents of serious disorder, but was clearly tinged by the tragic death of 18-year-old Ryan Munro from Hopeman, Moray, on Saturday.

A handful of people were arrested for breach of the peace, a large number of people will be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with drug possession and there was a large number of thefts from the campsites on Friday night into Saturday.

Police are following a positive line of inquiry in relation to a number of the thefts from the campsites.

A total of nine people will be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with alleged drug-dealing offences.

Supt O’Connor said, “RockNess 2008 has passed without any serious incidents of disorder and we would praise the revellers for their conduct throughout the weekend.

“Obviously there is sadness, too, with the tragic death of Ryan Munro on Saturday and our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Seven drink-drivers and one drug-driver will also be reported to the procurator fiscal following incidents in and around the venue.

Supt O’Connor added, “This is my third year at RockNess and we have a solid plan in place now, although, as with everything else, we will sit down and discuss the event and see where we can improve for next year.

“The planning for next year’s event starts today and we will pull all the learning points together to ensure a safe and secure RockNess in 2009.”