Man charged in connection with organising illegal rave

A man has been arrested and charged in connection with organising an illegal rave at a derelict farm in Falkirk.

Police were called to the alleged gathering at the site in Slamannan on Saturday night.

Officers said it is understood up to 200 people were due to attend, however it was “quickly disrupted” and did not go ahead.

A 29-year-old man has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct following the incident.

Officers also recovered around £16,000 worth of drugs from the site.

Falkirk is currently under level three of the Scottish Government’s coronavirus alert system.

This means the maximum number of people who can meet in a public indoor place is six members from two households.

Chief inspector Chris Stewart said: “We received information that a large number of people were being dropped off at the location and starting to gather. Officers were in attendance quickly and established that a number of people were there for an organised ‘rave’.

“Through our enquiries it is understood that up to 200 people were due to attend, however due to the intervention by officers it was quickly disrupted and did not take place.

“Those in attendance were dispersed and left the area without any issues. Officers charged the man with culpable and reckless conduct due to his part in organising the event. He will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

“Officers also recovered approximately £16,000 worth of drugs from the site, our assessment is that these drugs would have been sold at the event.

‘This is a blatant disregard for the law and this type of behaviour is a risk to public health.’
Chief inspector Chris Stewart

“Our enquiries continue in an effort to identify others who may have been involved in organising the event.

“This is a blatant disregard for the law and this type of behaviour is a risk to public health. We will continue to use enforcement action where it is necessary to disperse large groups of people and to protect the public.

“The chief constable has made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.”