Last year the event attracted a crowd of around 30,000 people per day.

NHS Highlands Substance Misuse Co-ordinator and Lead Nurse Dougie Montgomery said:

“Last year we saw some people overindulge so much that they ended up in the field hospital and missed the event completely. We want to encourage people to enjoy themselves in a safe way.

“The atmosphere at the event created by the crowds, the music, the open air and the excitement means that it can be easy to get a little reckless. The consequences of drinking too much are well known and the longer term effects on your own health and wellbeing, as well as those around you, can lead to regret.

“It’s important to bear in mind that the weather can also affect how you feel if you’re drinking alcohol. You will have a higher risk of sun stroke and dehydration if it’s hot and of becoming unwell if it’s chilly; your senses will be impaired and you may not realise how cold you’re becoming.

“We know that alcohol is likely to play a part in some people’s enjoyment of the festival and we would urge them to pace their drinking and know when to stop.

“Looking after yourself includes drinking water and non alcoholic fluids, eating, not mixing your drinks to excess, and remembering that you are in charge of your own personal safety.

“It’s also really important that people stick together and look out for their friends. The festival ground is enormous when it’s packed and it’s very easy to get separated, add alcohol into that equation and you quickly find that some people get panicky and disorientated because they’ve drunk too much”.

Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service Risk Management Co-ordinator Cathie Way also urged festival goers to make good use of the dedicated food preparation areas and eating outlets. She added:
“Cooking and drinking alcohol really don’t mix and we want everyone to have a memorable festival for all the right reasons.

“We’ve adopted a multi-agency approach this year (partnership with NHS Highland, Northern Constabulary, Scottish Ambulance Service, HDAAT, Red Cross, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service) to help keep people as safe as possible. Scottish Water have kindly donated 100 water bottles so as festival goers can refill as required and we’ve combined resources to offer free bottled water, contraception, torches and wet wipes throughout the three day period.”

Scottish Water’s Communities Manager for the Highlands, Joanna Peebles, said: “Drinking water helps you stay fit, alert and energetic – just the tonic for a lively outdoor event such as Rockness. It’s important for festival-goers to keep hydrated so we hope the sports bottles we’ve donated will be well used. We’re proud of the drinking water we make in the Highlands and we’ll be delivering a regular supply of it to the Rockness site. The event is good for the Highland economy and we’re very
happy to support it.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

For further information please call NHS Highland Communications Officer Jo Young on 01463 704774.

Dehydration – the facts
When you are dehydrated, it means that the amount of fluids (water) your body is losing is more than the amount of water your body is taking in.
Your body is made up of about two-thirds water.

You’re not drinking enough water if…
- Your urine is dark, concentrated and has a strong smell. If it’s clear and odourless then you are drinking enough fluid.

- Headaches are often a sign of dehydration, so before reaching for a headache pill, try a glass of water.

These are the health benefits associated with drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day…
- Water does not contain sugar so choosing to drink water over sugary or carbonated drinks helps you have healthier teeth, and drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day helps to keep your bones, hair and nails healthy.
- Drinking water before, during and after physical activity helps you stay alert and have extra energy. Healthy and hydrated muscle tissue is around 75% water and drinking 6-8 glasses every day can help you prevent
tiredness and cramps.

- Your brain tissue is around 85% water. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day helps you have better memory and concentration. Results have shown that your performance, both academically and creatively, is
increased when you drink water throughout your day.
- Healthy skin is around 70% water – but it is the last organ in your body to benefit from your body’s supply of water. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day helps you have soft, firm skin and it help prevent the appearance of fine lines and spots.