Aviemore festival goers advised "Go safely"
As Aviemore’s long-awaited Mumford & Sons’ “Gentlemen of the Road” Stopover warms up for the weekend, local agencies have issued advice on how to enjoy it safely.
Police Scotland, NHS Highland, Highland Council, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service and Ambulance Scotland are hoping for “a safe and enjoyable event for those who are attending and working at the festival.”
The event, at the Dell of Rothiemurchus, just east of the village, is brand new to the area and will be held from Thursday (July 30) to Saturday (August 1), with those camping on site expected to remain in the area until Sunday 2.
It is expected to attract around 17,000 people.
Inspector Lynda Allan of Police Scotland, who will be the Deputy Commander at the event said: “It’s fantastic for Aviemore to have a brand new event such as Stopover festival. We will be employing our tried and tested community policing approach to local summer musical festivals, working with partners with the focus of keeping people safe, however together with stewards we will take action as required to prevent disorder and antisocial or criminal behaviour, which compromises safety or spoils the event for others."
Keep Safe Festival advice is available on the Police Scotland website and will be displayed around the festival site and provides practical information on personal safety:
Personal safety: Stay with friends and stay in busy areas.
Alcohol: Know your limits with alcohol, your judgement can be impaired and make you a target.
Drugs: Don’t take drugs or New Psychoactive Substances (legal highs); there is no safe amount of drug to take; possession or supply of drugs will result in a criminal charge
Anti-social behaviour: Do not bring or carry weapons; do not carry smoke canisters, flares or any other form of pyrotechnic; respect local communities and residents.
Protect your valuables: Guard against pickpockets; stay alert when using cash machines; only take items you will need; use a service to track and find your mobile phone if you lose it.
Travel safety: Plan in advance; leave enough time for your journey; remember the new lower drink driving limit if you are driving the next morning
At the festival: Get your ticket or wristband only from official sources not ticket touts and ensure you have it with you; follow the directions of police and stewards; know where your pick up and drop off points are; if you are campingknow which zone your tent is in.
Remember how to contact the police: In an emergency dial 999; dial 101 for non-emergency matters; report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Inspector Allan concluded: "By following our Keep Safe Festival advice it will help to make the Stopover festival an enjoyable, memorable and safe experience for everyone and we all have a part to play in making sure this happens. We will be posting further information relevant to the event on social media during the course of the weekend."
Elspeth Lee, NHS Highland Health Improvement Specialist said: “Our message to everyone attending this year’s local festivals is: we hope you have a great time, enjoy the music and soak up the atmosphere.
“We urge you to eat well, drink plenty of water and stay safe. The best way to stay safe is to drink sensibly. You can pace yourself by drinking slowly, avoid mixing drinks, switch between alcohol and soft drinks or shift to a lower strength of alcohol.
“Don’t take unnecessary risks. Our advice is to avoid taking drugs. Substances like ecstasy and cocaine can cause dehydration and overheating, especially when mixed with alcohol and taken whilst dancing in warm temperatures.
“Also, just because a substance claims to be legal, it doesn’t mean it is, and it doesn’t mean it is safe. Many so called legal highs contain illegal substances and research chemicals that haven’t been properly tested.
“If someone is unable to avoid taking drugs or drink sensibly, then 1) make sure you know what you are taking, 2) be aware of the amount you are taking and 3) be aware of the risk of becoming ill or overdosing particularly from taking drugs and alcohol together.
“Keep an eye on your friends. If you do notice someone becoming ill, get help straight away.
“Other keep safe messages are to use sunscreen to avoid getting burnt if the sun shines, and practice safe sex.”
Ambulance Scotland Paramedic Jenny Adams said: "To ensure your enjoyment at Stopover 2015, drink sensibly, avoid recreational drugs and remember to bring along own medication along with any spares required to keep personal medical equipment working. We are happy to store and refrigerate any prescription medication as necessary over the weekend.
"Bring appropriate clothing and dress for the occasion. It's recommended to keep hydrated and apply sunscreen, should the weather be hot and sunny. Keep an eye on your friends and make sure they do the same for you. If in any doubt, seek help from any of the first aiders around the site.”
Iain Mackay, Resilience Adviser at the Scottish Ambulance Service said: "Anyone taking medication should let their friends know what it is and make sure that they bring enough with them to the festival. Everyone should keep hydrated, whether or not it's sunny and bring clothing for all conditions."
Highland Council Vice Convener, Councillor Bill Lobban (Badenoch/Strathspey) said: "I am delighted to welcome the Mumford & Sons Stopover festival to Aviemore.
"It is a fantastic opportunity to attract new visitors to Badenoch & Strathspey and to enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer. An event such as this will also be a tremendous boost to the local economy. The Highland Council always works closely with partner agencies to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment and to maximise the positive benefits such events bring. So keep safe, look after each other and above all else please enjoy yourselves."
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager Ross Nixon hopes that everyone enjoys the Aviemore Stopover event safely.
He said: “The Stopover is a first for the Rothiemurchus Estate and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service would like people to enjoy themselves and remember the festival for all the right reasons.
“We would urge people to enjoy the stunning scenery but always bear safety in mind. Tents can be ‘gone in 60 seconds’ and are particularly susceptible to fire so it’s crucial that you don’t pitch them too close together. If there is a fire then this will stop it spreading from one tent to another.
“We would also encourage people not to smoke inside tents and use torches instead of candles as they are much safer. If you are using BBQs then never use inside or near the entrances to tents as they can give off poisonous carbon monoxide fumes which can be fatal. And those using camping gas canisters are encouraged to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and don’t use inside tents. It is also crucial that people never cook whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
