T in the Park bosses have given The Courier a sneak peek at the brand new festival site at Strathallan.
With less than two weeks to go, the new showground is beginning to take shape.
“It’s starting to look like T in the Park,” said festival chief Geoff Ellis. “But like no T in the Park we’ve seen before.”
He said the cost of moving and setting up the new site had run into millions of pounds, mainly because of having to build things like huge water tanks and temporary bridges at the new site.
He added: “But what we have lost in logistical infrastructure, we gain in aesthetics, because now we’ve got a castle.
“It gives us a focal point for the site and a real sense of gravitas. It reminds us that we’re standing in a grandiose country estate.
“When people come through the festival gates they are going to see this fantastic scenery and it will put them in a different frame of mind.”
He said: “They’ll still be there to enjoy themselves, see a load of bands and have a party with their mates, but they’ll also be aware they are a part of something really special.
“There’s something magical about the place and I think that will come across on TV. We will have the castle lit up at night and it will be great to show that off to the 8 to 9 million viewers watching at home.”
Mr Ellis also revealed that the festival is teaming up with Foundation Scotland to launch the T in the Park Community Fund, which will benefit local groups and projects. Full details of the size of the scheme and how to apply for cash will be announced in September.