Act now so the show can go on

IT WAS the news T in the Park organisers desperately did not want to hear.

The return of a pair of ospreys to Strathallan, close to the new site of the renowned festival, could yet be a hammer blow to DF Concerts’ bid for planning approval.

The firm argues it has done all it can to sensitively relocate the birds.

However, by using a cherry picker and flag to “encourage” the birds to nest elsewhere, they have raised the hackles of others, including the RSPB.

Unfortunately for DF Concerts and the thousands of music lovers who have already bought tickets for the festival, ospreys remain one of the most protected species in Scotland. It is a criminal offence to disturb them when they are nesting. That rule has to apply across the board, no matter how much money and prestige T in the Park pumps into Perthshire.

It may be that the birds can still be persuaded to use a new nest and the show can go on as originally envisaged.

But if not, the authorities must come together quickly to find an alternative.

Perth and Kinross Council has already helped scope some alternative sites and will, rightly, be keen to ensure T in the Park remains within its boundaries.

Although the previous site at Balado was abandoned over health and safety fears, a one-year return could be considered.

It is unfortunate that DF Concerts appear not to have planned properly for the short journey across country from Kinross-shire to Strathearn.

They seem to have been caught out by the strength of feeling among a small but vociferous group of objectors.

The firm has insisted it does not have, and does not need, a plan B. Time is running out. Perhaps it is time to consider one.