T in the Park boss Geoff Ellis has spoken of his “heartbreak” over the deaths of two teenagers which marred this year’s festival.
“There’s not been a moment since it happened that it hasn’t been on my mind,” said the festival director of the deaths of 17-year-olds Peter MacCallum and Megan Bell.
“I know that is the case for many people involved in the event, including those in the emergency services and local authority. It’s heartbreaking.
“The whole team is devastated. It is incomprehensible to imagine what their loved ones are going through.”
Peter of Lochgilphead, Argyll, was pronounced dead after being found unconscious in his tent while Megan, of Seaham, County Durham, died after being taken ill at the Strathallan Castle event.
DF Concerts chief executive Mr Ellis added that his thoughts were also with the families of Paige Mackay and Jim Richardson, who both attended T in the Park, but later died.
Paige, 19, who went to Balnacraig School in Perth, was found dead at her home in Inverness on Wednesday.
The body of Mr Richardson, a 29-year-old father of three, was found near Forteviot on Tuesday, the day after he got off a bus leaving the festival.
The police response to concerns about his welfare are at the centre of an investigation by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc).
“While there is no suggestion that these tragedies were related to their attendance, they were also two of our own,” said Mr Ellis.
“It’s incredibly sad to learn of their deaths and again we convey our heartfelt sympathies to those close to them.”
Mr Ellis said providing a platform for the best music around remained the driving force behind the festival.
“We launched T in the Park 23 years ago because we wanted Scottish fans to have somewhere to go with their friends every summer to see the best bands from around the world,” he said.
“Over the years, those fans have become part of an international T in the Park community who come together to enjoy music and have good times with their friends. That’s why we still do it.”
