Ross revellers asked to heed Rockness warning

ROCK and roll is fine - but be extra careful about mixing it with sex and drugs.

That's the warning coming from police and health chiefs ahead of next weekend's major RockNess music fesival, which traditional attracts hundreds of Ross-shire revellers amongst thousands descending on Loch Ness.

With the Highlands' biggest music festival now less than a week away, organisers have issued a "stay safe" plea to revellers, with warnings about the risks of dabbling in drugs, unsafe sex and the vagaries of the weather.

Northern Constabulary, NHS Highland, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service, British Red Cross, Scottish Ambulance Service and Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership have taken the step of issuing a joint appeal.

They want to make sure thousands of revellers make the most of their weekend "whilst balancing that with a responsible attitude towards personal safety".

Drugs and alcohol-related concerns are amongst those concerning police and health chiefs ahead of the event, which will see thousands of people descend on a small site at Dores, on the banks of Loch Ness.

Police say the last three years have seen reductions in crime and medical incidents but that "there is no room for complacency".

Tips ahead of the bash include ensuring anyone on medication takes what they need, has access to water, sun lotion and contraceptives and "does not taking any unnecessary risks" whilst there.

Speaking ahead of what will be the seventh annual event, Iain MacKay, resilience advisor for the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: "We saw a reduction in the number of people who required to be taken to hospital at the 2011 event and we hope to see that trend continue this year.

"Simple things such as making your friends aware of medication that you are taking, making sure you have enough to last the weekend, taking enough sunscreen to last the weekend, and keeping hydrated, whether it is sunny or not, will help you stay healthy at RockNess 2012.

"As usual we can never predict what the Scottish weather will throw at us, but given that conditions have been less than summery of late we would encourage people to bring plenty of warm and waterproof clothing in the event of rain or cold."

Karen Carson, NHS Highland senior health promotion specialist for sexual health and young people, said: "It is crucial that festival goers take sexual health seriously at RockNess. If you are simply on the pull or determined not to get tied down - don't forget to take condoms or dams with you. The message is really simple; if you’re planning a Highland fling at Rockness keep it covered – keep it safe."

Condoms and dams are widely available from GP practices, sexual health clinics, Brook and Waverley Care free of charge – they can also be purchased in supermarkets and pharmacies.

Festival goers should ensure that condoms are part of their essential festival 'kit'.

Karen added: "Make sure the only positive you take home from Rockness is the memory of a blinding weekend and not the result of an STI or pregnancy test."

Deborah Stewart, who is Coordinator for the Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, said festival goers should remember to drink plenty of water, to eat well and to avoid taking unnecessary risks when it comes to alcohol and drugs.

She said: "It's easy to get carried away by the atmosphere. However, if you overindulge in alcohol you could end up in the field hospital and miss the event altogether, which is not only disappointing but costly.

"It's important to eat before you start drinking and while you're drinking and to pace yourself by drinking soft drink spacers, particularly water, to keep you hydrated.

"Stay with friends and make sure you keep yourselves safe. It's also important to keep warm as you don't notice how cold you get when you've been drinking."

Deborah also urged festival goers not to dabble in illicit drugs and she pointed out that overindulging could prove fatal.

She said: "If you can't say no, you should at least let a close and reliable friend know what you've taken so that, if you need medical help, we have a clear picture of what's going on. And, bear in mind that you have no idea what you're buying or exposing yourself to when you decide to take drugs. Some drugs can be mixed with a variety of cheap hazardous substances which could cause your body untold harm.

"If you or your friends have taken something and start to feel unwell please seek medical help immediately."

Event Commander Superintendent Stevie MacKay from Northern Constabulary spoke of the proactive operation against drugs at the event: "As with previous years we will be taking a robust and pro-active stance against drugs at the festival.

"We will also be looking to stem the supply of drugs prior to the event also to ensure festival goers are as safe as possible. The message is clear from previous years in that if you bring drugs you're very likely to get caught and not only will you miss the whole weekend you'll face criminal charges, so don't risk it."

Area manager for HIFRS, Scott Hay spoke of the risks of fire safety at the event: "At music festivals there is a risk of fire and it spreading due to tents being pitched close together and a number of people smoking in close proximity. I would encourage people who smoke inside or close to tents to take care and make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished before getting rid of them."

Relevant Police messages will be available on the Northern Constabulary Twitter and Facebook pages over the course of the weekend.

Ross-shire Journal photographers will be at the event. Look out for our coverage online and in the print edition the following week.