The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Praise for majority of Groove fans but 15 caught with drugs
A total of 15 people were banned from Groove Loch Ness after being found with drugs.
Police otherwise praised the behaviour of “the vast majority” of revellers at the music festival over the weekend.
The fourth year of the event at Dores, which included actor Idris Elba coming north to perform a DJ set, has been hailed as a success.
The 15 people either ejected from the site or refused entry after being found in possession of drugs by either police officers or security staff will all be subject to reports to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.
Six further incidents required the involvement of police, largely relating to minor acts of disorder.
Event commander Chief Inspector Colin Gough said: “I would like to thank the vast majority of festival-goers who enjoyed the event in good spirits.
“What incidents did occur were dealt with the 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.”
Dougie Brown, of Groove, said: “We had a great weekend at Groove and the feedback has been great from both festivalgoers and the services in attendance.
“There was a real feelgood atmosphere at the event and we have to praise our audience for that.”
“We had a great weekend and the feedback has been great”