Traffic chaos as thousands of RockNess revellers descend on Dores for monster fest

TRAFFIC came to a standstill this morning as four-mile queues backing up to the Dores roundabout formed as thousands of revellers began to make their way to RockNess.

Traffic wardens could be seen guiding cars, buses and taxis into the new entrance this year which is located beside Aldourie Primary School.

However, it was expected to be a long wait for some festival goers who were stuck in massive tailbacks.

Many cars were being stopped and drivers checked as a strong police presence could be seen at the entrance to the festival and revellers have been once again reminded to stay safe and don't drink and drive.

Once inside the gates however, it was a different story as the hundreds of rockers began erecting their canvas homes for the weekend in the camping area.

The vast area of grass is currently being transformed into a sea of coloured tents and is starting to buzz with some revellers travelling hundreds of miles.

The monster festival officially kicks off today with bands such Kasabian, Two Door Cinema Club, Katy B and Mark Ronson rocking the various stages and tents until the early hours of the morning.

Now in it's sixth year, RockNess has gone from strength to strength and this year promises to more star studded than ever before with festival headliners for the Sunday including singer legend Paolo Nutini.

Meanwhile thousands of festival goers could be spotted donning shades and shorts making their way to the festival as the sun put it's hat on in time for the three day event.

However, forecasters warned revellers to pack a mixture of clothes as although mainly dry weather is expected, temperatures are predicted to drop into single figures over night.

In the led up the the music weekend there have been no-nonsense messages from police chiefs on drugs and drink driving.

Anyone taking drugs to the festival is being told there will be no warnings if they're caught - they will end up in court.

Event Commander Superintendent Stevie Mackay from Northern Constabulary said: "The message is clear from previous years and will be the same this year - if you bring drugs you are very likely to be caught and not only will you miss the whole weekend, you will end up with a criminal record."

Head of Road Policing, Inspector John smith added: "If people are planning driving from the event they should remember that alcohol can still be affecting your body more than 12 hours after it's consumed, so I would encourage those driving to bear that in mind."