Future festivals may test for drugs safety

DRUG testing at Highland music festivals could be on the cards as part of a bid to reduce harm to users.

While police have consistently taken a "zero tolerance" approach at events, others working in the field have argued it has to be accepted that many revellers will use illegal substances and the better approach is to provide facilities for making sure that whatever they take is at least safe.

Addiction specialists are preparing a report on the subject and the issue of festivals arose at a recent meeting of the Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (HADP) strategy group which noted an underage element to drug use at events which it regards as "concerning".

After the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival at the start of this month police commended "the vast majority" of attendees for their good behaviour.

There were 23 seizures of personal quantities of drugs.

The conclusion of the fourth annual Groove Loch Ness dance music event at Dores on Saturday met with a similar response.

Fifteen individuals there were either ejected or refused entry for drugs possession.

Event commander Chief Inspector Colin Gough said: "What incidents did occur were dealt with swiftly and did not detract from the experience of the event for everyone else.

"Sadly a small number of people chose to ignore the zero tolerance policy in place for controlled drugs and were refused entry or ejected from the site.

"This policy is in place for good reason – to keep people safe.

"I’m grateful to the event organisers, stewards, partner agencies and other attendees for their support which allowed the vast majority to enjoy themselves in a responsible manner."

Deborah Stewart of HADP said: "Harm reduction is likely to be a key approach in the forthcoming national alcohol and drugs strategy.

"As yet, it isn’t clear whether drug testing at festivals will be included.

"However, it’s interesting that the Home Office recently announced they would not stand in the way of drug testing at music festivals.

"HADP are interested in exploring any approach that reduces the harm from drugs, including the potential of drug testing at appropriate festivals.

"Harm reduction approaches are pragmatic and focus on achievable goals in response to current issues.

"We have still to fully debate the approach, with clarification on the legal process in Scotland required."

A spokesman for Police Scotland said the force is committed to reducing the impact of drugs on individuals, families and communities in Scotland."

However he added: "Whilst we recognise there is an appetite for drug testing at music festivals as a harm reduction approach, this is not something we can support operationally at this time as we must always operate within the legislative framework afforded to us.

"We work closely with partners including NHS, alcohol and drug partnerships and other drug services to share drug trend information and raise awareness about the harm caused by drug misuse.

"We will conduct on-site testing of all drugs found or seized at music festivals and we have direct access to further scientific analysis when required which can further inform the drug trend information we share.

"Through partnership working, and with the support of local communities, we aim to make Scotland a safer place."