POLICE will take a “zero tolerance” approach to drug users who try to take so-called legal highs to T in the Park.

The warning came from Police Scotland’s National Drug Co-ordinator, Detective Inspector Michael Miller, as he launched a ‘keep safe’ campaign aimed at festival goers at Buchanan Bus Station yesterday.

He said “amnesty bins” will be provided so that illegal drugs can be offloaded before music fans reach tight security and sniffer dogs at the gates to the Strathallan festival site.

DI Miller also warned that officers won’t turn a blind eye to New Psychoactive Substances – often known as legal highs.

“They will be seized and they will be analysed because sometimes these NPS contain a controlled drug,” he said. “Should it turn out to contain a controlled drug those in possession will be arrested and prosecuted.

“We don’t want this – we want people to have a good time – but we will take a zero tolerance approach to any drugs, including NPS.

“The police are here to keep people safe and if someone is in possession of drugs we will intervene.”

Despite the tough approach at the gates to T in the Park, DI Miller said festival goers will not be targeted as they queue up for busses from Glasgow to Strathallan before the event begins on Friday, July 10.

He said: “Years ago we used to target the various bus stations but that hasn’t been done for a long time. There will be a police presence for crowd control and for people’s safety but there won’t be a proactive approach where we are targeting people.

“We want people to interact with the police in a positive way and to start the weekend by searching people at the bus station, we don’t want that. If somebody is quite obviously in possession of something they will be searched, but that’s not our intention.”

The ‘keep safe’ campaign will see police offer advice to festival goers using posters, social media and a tent at many of the summer’s biggest festivals.

DI Miller launched the initiative at Buchanan Bus Station alongside Fiona Kerr, managing director of First Glasgow.

She said: “We'll have a number of vehicles transporting revellers to T in the Park safely and smoothly - and we fully support Police Scotland's efforts to encourage everyone attending the festival to keep safe when at the event.

“We'd encourage those travelling to plan their journey in advance, leave in enough time whether heading there or heading home and follow the personal safety tips that are provided."

SPT Chief Executive Gordon Maclennan added: “Revellers have been travelling from Buchanan Bus Station to festival sites for many years now and SPT staff are always on hand to ensure that their health and safety is protected from the very outset of their experience.

“We’re pleased that Police Scotland are launching the keep safe campaign and hope that festival goers remember to take care while enjoying themselves.”