The chief executive of Crieff Hydro says local residents who have raised concerns about T in the Park’s planned move to Strathearn should look at the “wider picture”.
Stephen Leckie said he felt sorry for people who live near the proposed Strathallan Castle estate site but stressed that DF Concerts, who run the event, are going through the “official process”.
Stating that the planned move from Balado to Strathallan is not a “done deal”, Mr Leckie praised the organisation behind T in the Park.
He said: “They are a very professional, well-run and able organisation. They take all comments and feedback very seriously. They are listening people and have been answering any questions transparently, honestly and with integrity.
“I do feel very sorry for those people who live on the Strathallan Castle estate and directly associated it. There is a reality with the event if it goes ahead they will be swamped by 85,000 young folk, but that’s just the way it is.”
He continued: “The reality is that if you look at the wider picture for the tourism industry, this event is good news for Scotland.
“Imagine if T in the Park were not to take place in Scotland and went to England. I am sensitive to the views of people living in and around the Strathallan Castle estate I am friends with a lot of people who live in the area.
“However, you have to take a wider view that this event is good for the economy and the exposure it brings for Scotland. There is that whole credibility factor for the country.”
A spokesman for DF Concerts said: “We’re committed to ensuring that the local areas surrounding Strathallan reap as many benefits from the festival’s relocation as possible.
“The level of letters and emails we’ve received indicates that the wider community welcomes the huge opportunity that the festival offers.
“We enjoyed a fantastic working relationship with the local community in Kinross for the last 18 years and we look forward to building strong relationships with our new neighbours.”