Flagpoles and 'selfie sticks' are banned at next week's T in the Park music festival in Strathallan Castle.

 

Selfie sticks, which people use to take self portraits on smartphones, and flagpoles have been banned for safety reasons as well as blocking views of the stage.

Organisers believe selfie sticks and flag poles - such as those seen at the recent Glastonbury festival, pose safety risks, such as trip hazards, and also block other people's view of the performing singers and bands.

The ban is part of a package of advice for the event which have been released by its organisers as well as Police Scotland, the NHS, ambulance and fire and transport agencies.

Next week's festival, headlined by Kasabian, Avicii and Noel Gallagher, will attract 85,000 revellers a day andis being staged at the castle's grounds, in Perthshire, for the first time.

The list of safety tips and advice also asks festival goers to use public transport to get to the site, and not walk or use Sat-Nav to find their way there.

The organisers are also asking revellers to not smoke in tents, be vigilant in the use of disposable barbeques, and regularly drink water.

It also says: "Drugs and underage drinking are illegal and will not be tolerated at T in the Park.

"Anyone caught in possession of illegal substances will be dealt with by the police in the same way as anywhere else in Scotland.

"If you're blessed with youthful features and look younger than 25, make sure you carry a valid form of ID because you will not be served alcohol anywhere on-site without it."

The safety tips say that "legal-highs or herbal highs are highly dangerous and can kill. These are banned at T in the Park and anyone caught with them will be ejected from the site".

Nitrous Oxide, or laughing gas, is also banned, as are flares, fireworks, laser pens, and air horns.

Geoff Ellis, chief executive of organisers DF Concerts, said: "We've got a stunning new home, incredible music, delicious food and drink and the very best entertainment.

"All we need now is for guests to arrive and help us ensure it's the best house-warming party in living memory.

"But before everyone sets off, we need them to read the important advice from each of our partners to make sure they come prepared for the brand new site."

The run up to the festival has been controversial, with wildlife groups concerned over the effect of the festival on animals, especially ospreys, in the area.

The list reminds revellers to respect the locality and its inhabitants.

"The local community in Kinross was always supportive of T in the Parkers and we want our new community in Strathallan to feel the same way," it says.

"Please respect the locals and your fellow travellers when travelling to and from the event. Please don't litter, use available toilet stops and help us show them that you really are the best audience in the world."

Chief Superintendent Eddie Smith, event commander and Police Scotland Tayside divisional commander said: "We are looking forward to helping deliver a safe and successful T in the Park at its new home.

"I also want to reassure local residents that Police Scotland will be working hard with DF Concerts and our partner agencies to minimise disruption and create a safe environment for all."

A new police initiative this year is a festival safety tent run by the force's Safer Communities project, which will be located in the charities' section of the site, where people can register their mobile phone free of charge in case it gets lost and obtain other advice.

Chief Supt. Smith said: "We want everyone to enjoy the event and have a positive experience. However, Police Scotland will not tolerate any criminality, including the carrying or dealing of drugs. My message is simple: 'Don't risk it'."