T in the Park bosses have pledged to ramp up security and clamp down on drugs after a series of tragedies overshadowed this summer’s show.
Festival organisers have revealed they are drawing up a fresh package of safety measures for next year’s event.
It is hoped the upgrade will help convince councillors to grant an all-important public entertainment licence for a third show at Strathallan Castle.
There were calls to have the long-standing festival shut down after three people died after taking drugs at this year’s show. Police have also been investigating an alleged rape and the theft of a cash machine.
Details of the improvement proposals will be submitted to Perth and Kinross Council in the coming months.
T in the Park chief Geoff Ellis and DF Concerts’ head of event management Colin Rodger discussed their improvement plan during talks with local MSP Liz Smith at the Scottish Parliament.
Ms Smith said: “I had a very positive meeting with DF Concerts which follows similar meetings with Police Scotland and senior officers in Perth and Kinross Council.
“I think there is a recognition from everyone that exactly the same co-ordinated effort, which was the basis for addressing the traffic management issues in 2015, needs to happen with regard to the public safety issues which dominated the concerns of TITP 2016.”
She said: “There were clearly significant concerns raised by many people who attended the 2016 event and by some sections of the local community. These concerns largely related to drug-taking and the security of the camp site so it was encouraging to hear that DF Concerts, in collaboration with Police Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council, are prepared to be open about these problems and that they are working on a series of essential improvements.
“Everyone knows that the future of T in the Park depends on upon the introduction of these improvements.”
Mr Ellis said: “We had a positive and constructive meeting with Liz Smith MSP today to discuss this year’s T in the Park and plans for next year’s festival.
“This is one of many meetings we hold as part of our thorough debrief process and we will continue to listen to feedback and work collaboratively with all relevant parties ahead of 2017’s event.”
The talks came as police data revealed more than £30,000 worth of drugs was recovered at this year’s show.
Police said the haul – including 1,000 ecstasy tablets and half a kilo of cannabis – was the result of a concerted effort after the shock deaths of two 17-year-old revellers on the first morning of the festival.
Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Angela McLaren said: “Public safety is always the highest priority at any event. This being the case, Police Scotland enforce a zero tolerance policy towards controlled drugs at T in the Park and this policy has always mirrored that of the event organisers. In addition to enforcement activity, we continue to reinforce the message that all illegal drugs are harmful and place the user at risk.
“The licensing of T in the Park is a matter for the Perth & Kinross Licensing Committee and we will continue to work with our partners to promote professional and responsible event management.”
