Music fans are being urged not to succumb to the dangers of illegal drugs and so-called herbal highs as they attend this year’s T in the Park festival.
Excitement is building ahead of the 20th anniversary event, which takes place at Balado between this weekend.
Crowds of up to 85,000 a day will enjoy a host of big-name acts, including Mumford & Sons, Rihanna, the View, Deacon Blue, Travis, Twin Atlantic, Emeli Sande and the Fratellis.
Police are keen to ensure that the fans enjoy every moment of the festival, without putting themselves at risk of harm or arrest.
Once again the festival will be adopting a zero-tolerance approach to drugs and anyone caught taking or dealing illegal substances will have to face the legal consequences of their actions together with ejection from the event.
Legal highs are also banned at T in the Park and, as some do contain controlled drugs, charges can be brought against those found with the substances in their possession.
A police spokesman said: “People who take legal highs have no idea of what they actually contain.
“They could have been mixed with drugs or other substances and their use becomes even more perilous when taken with alcohol or, indeed, other substances.
“The reality is that anyone who takes them is gambling with their life.”
Drugs amnesty bins will be sited at the entrance to the campsites, where illegal substances can be disposed of without risk of exclusion or prosecution.
Once inside the venue, drugs will not be tolerated and anyone caught dealing or carrying drugs will be arrested, with Police Scotland’s specialist drugs dogs operating.
Event commander Superintendent Rick Dunkerley said: “Now in its 20th year, T in the Park is a landmark event that has been built on years of the experience, know-how and the good old-fashioned hard work of everyone concerned.
“Some of our officers and staff have played a part at T in the Park since its early beginnings in Perth and Kinross.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities, including the community that gathers for the weekend at T in the Park.
“We want people to have fun and enjoy what is sure to be another excellent festival. At the same time, we want them to look after themselves.”
Festival-goers have also been warned of the dangers of consuming too much alcohol and of the need to eat regularly and drink plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated.
Medical assistance will be available on site throughout the festival.
A full festival checklist and safety guide are available at www.tinthepark.com/essentials.