As the final preparations for Belladrum take shape, NHS Highland and Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (HADP) want the thousands of people attending this week’s music festival to have a memorable event for all the best reasons.
To do this, a number of health messages have been designed to ensure people feel well throughout the event and have the best time possible.
Andrew Kyle, Health Improvement Specialist with NHS Highland said: "Belladrum has grown from a small, one day festival in 2004 to now running over three days with an attendance level well into the thousands. With these kinds of numbers, we want to ensure as many people as possible stay safe and well, and also enjoy themselves.
"When consuming alcoholic drinks, pace yourself by drinking slowly, have non-alcoholic 'spacers', have lower strength alcoholic drinks and avoiding mixing different kinds of drinks.
"Belladrum is a festival for people of all ages and there will be many families present. We would encourage people to 'think how you drink'. Children and young people learn by example, so please do try to drink in a way that is mindful of others."
With the ever changing weather it is still hoped that Belladrum will see some sunshine over the three days so festival goers are reminded to enjoy the sun safely; use sunscreen that is at least a factor 15 and remember to re-apply regularly. Sunny days with overcast spells and showers can easily lull people into a false sense of safety. Take extra care with children as their skin is delicate and keep yourself and them hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Andrew added: “Thinking about sexual health, remember to take a supply of condoms with you, even if you think you’re unlikely to need them – things can change a lot over the course of a weekend. Condoms can protect against unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. If you are getting intimate, make sure it's safe and consensual. Look after yourself physically, mentally and emotionally.
"If you find yourself in a situation where you feel threatened, intimidated or experience harassing behaviour, seek support from stewards or the welfare team. There will also be police officers in attendance at the event who are there to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all those attending and festival staff.”
Eve MacLeod, Co-ordinator for the Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership, also wants everyone to enjoy the festival and to look after themselves. She said: If any festival-goers are unable to avoid taking drugs or drinking excessively, harm can be reduced by trying to make sure you know what you're taking and the affects it may have. If things do become a concern, it's recommended to contact a steward or people in the site's welfare tent. If a person becomes ill due to drugs or alcohol, be honest about what has been taken to help ensure the correct treatment is provided."
"The safest option is to avoid taking illegal drugs. Substances like ecstasy and cocaine can cause dehydration and overheating, especially when mixed with alcohol and dancing in warm weather.
"Ecstasy tablets/MDMA can contain a larger than expected dose of the drug. Very potent benzodiazepines can significantly increase the risk of overdose. Drug content cannot be guaranteed by appearance, and substances can be mis-sold as something they are not.
“While some people will only be attending the festival during the day, there will of course be large numbers of people camping, glamping, and staying on site in camper vans. Once the festival concludes there will be many people waking up on Sunday morning who will have been consuming alcohol the night before. Plan how to get home safely. Further advice and guidance on harm reduction is available on the Highland Overdose Prevention and Engagement (HOPE) app, which will work offline.”
The HOPE app is free to download, and is available from Android and Apple.