Addaction issues Belladrum warning following T in the Park deaths

A leading drug and alcohol charity has called on Scottish music festival goers to look out for each other this weekend following the two substance related deaths at T in the Park last month.

Around 18,000 music fans are expected at the Belladrum Tartan Heart event being held in the Highlands.

Addaction Scotland, which provides drug and alcohol services, warned people to look out for others adding if a friend appears to be in trouble then help should be sought immediately.

“Most people going to Belladrum festival this weekend will be aware of casualties at T in the Park who are now thought to have taken unknown substances,” the charity’s director Andrew Horne said.

“In addition, there has been a lot of recent press coverage about the availability of street tablets marketed as ‘Valium’.

“As with all Scottish summer events, we urge Belladrum festival goers to be very careful this weekend. If you or someone you know gets into any difficulty, it’s crucial to get help immediately – as time is of the essence. It’s more important for people to get emergency treatment, rather than worry about getting into trouble.

“At Addaction, we work with people in communities across Scotland, with varying degrees of alcohol and drug dependencies, and their safety is paramount to us. We hope everyone enjoys the latest music festival safely.”