By Dave Lord

THE MAN in charge of policing Scotland’s biggest party has described this year’s T in the Park festival as “superb.”

Few of the 85,000-plus revellers in Balado on each of the festival’s three days would disagree with Chief Superintendent Craig Suttie’s assessment.

As the clear-up operation got under way yesterday, many fans vowed to return next year.

For much of the festival weekend the sun shone, raising spirits yet higher as bands including Blur and The Killers took to the main stage.

As the curtain came down on the extravaganza, Mr Suttie paid tribute to the “overwhelming majority” of those attending.

There were a total of 243 crimes reported to police on site, with 58 arrests.

“Tayside Police is pleased to report that the atmosphere at T in the Park has been superb once again this year,” Mr Suttie said.

“The overwhelming majority of people contributed positively to the festival’s community spirit.”

Mr Suttie said that—despite a slight increase in arrests—there had been less trouble than in previous years.

“I am happy to say that while arrests are slightly up on last year, this is largely down to pro-active policing work in relation to drug enforcement and the excellent support of event stewards,” he added.

“Overall, offences are down on last year. I am satisfied there has been no serious crime at the venue, with the majority of offences relating to theft, minor assault and drugs possession.”

A total of 659 people attended the hospital tent while first aid teams attended to 1536 music lovers.

Festival medical co-ordinator Bob McGregor said, “We saw a comparable (with last year) number of people coming through this year’s on-site hospital.

“However, they were presenting with more minor ailments, such as trips and falls and the effects of the sun.”

Around half of those attending T in the Park were not Scots, providing the festival with a truly international flavour.

Festival organiser Geoff Ellis said it had been a weekend to remember.

“It has been great to see so many people enjoying themselves and so many bands have commented to me after coming off-stage that the T in the Park audience is among some of the best they’ve played to in the world,” he said.