Scotland’s police chief has given assurances that there will be “extensive planning and consultation” with the local community in advance of T in the Park moving to Strathallan Castle.
The Courier can reveal that Sir Stephen House, chief constable of Police Scotland, has written to Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, telling her that “local needs are met” and that “appropriate measures” will be put in place for those seeking police assistance and advice.
However, he confirmed that despite the massive music festival being staged at Strathallan Castle, this “in itself” is not sufficient to justify the reopening of the public counter facility at Auchterarder.
Ms Smith had called on Police Scotland to review the closure of this facility.
T in the Park is moving to the 1,000-acre Strathallan Castle estate in Perthshire after safety fears were raised over a pipeline close to the site at Balado, Kinross-shire.
Last night, Ms Smith said she welcomed the assurance from Sir Stephen.
“Every year the T in the Park festival site temporarily becomes the equivalent of the fifth largest town in Scotland over the weekend, and comparable to the largest city centre,” she said.
“This clearly brings with it additional policing issues, with more police stationed and on duty as well as more visitors arriving and seeking assistance and advice.
“It is vital that local residents and businesses come first when decisions regarding local policing are being made and I welcome the assurance from Police Scotland to consult with residents regarding the policing ahead of any potential move of T in the Park to Strathearn.”
The letter from Sir Stephen, which The Courier has seen, states: “The years of experience from policing T in the Park at the Balado site will be utilised to ensure local needs are met as well as facilitating the needs of those attending the event.
“I can assure you that appropriate measures will be put in place but at this early stage I can’t confirm what the final policing arrangements will be.”
Concerns had been raised by some Strathallan residents including Mark and Kim Liddiard, of North Mains Farm, Strathallan, who have written to Scottish ministers asking for a review of the planning process and who may go to the Court of Session for a judicial review.
However, not all local residents are angered by the relocation of the festival.
Mo Balfour, of Strathallan Estate, contacted The Courier to say she views T in the Park as “positive” for the estate’s future and a “benefit for the community at large”.
Greig McGillvray also contacted the newspaper to say that many locals support the move.