T in the Park organisers say they are happy for musicians to follow David Bowie's lead and step into the Scottish independence debate.

Promoter Geoff Ellis said yesterday that there would be no attempt to stop any artists making comments about the September 18 referendum on stage at this year's event.

Bowie last week appealed to Scotland to "stay with us" in his acceptance speech for a Brit Award delivered by Kate Moss.

But Mr Ellis said bands appearing on the stages at Balado in Perth and Kinross this July would be free to say whatever they wished.

Mr Ellis joked: "I'm not sure that Bowie did get involved in the independence debate. I think he was saying 'Scotland, stay with the thought that David Bowie will come back and do T in the Park one day'," adding, "Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing and we won't censure any artist from saying anything. It's a big question for Scotland and people should listen to both sides of the debate. David Bowie has a right to his opinion and the other artists do too. We're not giving up on David Bowie and the offer is always open to him to come back to T in the Park, whether in an independent Scotland or not."

T in the park is in its 21st year and is a mainstay on the festival circuit, attracting a host of international stars down the years.

This year's draws include homegrown Scottish DJ Calvin Harris and musicians Biffy Clyro, which will become the first Scottish band to close the main stage at the festival in 13 years.