Festival pair badly hurt in blast

The man was airlifted to hospital by air ambulance

A 19-year-old man and woman have been taken to hospital after a gas canister exploded at the Belladrum music festival, near Inverness.

Three others suffered minor injuries in the incident, which happened at about 1045 BST inside a campsite tepee.

The man was receiving treatment for burns to his arms and legs, while the woman suffered face and hand injuries.

Festival promoter Joe Gibb said the incident appeared to have been an unfortunate accident.

He said the thoughts of organisers were with the individuals involved and their families.

We are reviewing, with the emergency services, our policy on gas cylinders in the future Joe Gibb Festival promoter

The man was airlifted to hospital, while the woman was taken in an ambulance by road. Police said their injuries were not life-threatening.

A police spokesperson said: "Emergency services attended reports of an explosion of a gas canister at a tent at the Belladrum festival.

"Two people, a man and a woman, received first aid at the scene and were taken to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, where they are receiving treatment for burns."

Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service group manager John MacDonald urged campers to heed safety advice.

He said: "We don't recommend that people use any cooking equipment or naked flames within tented areas. Our message is to remain vigilant and not take any risks."

Promoter Mr Gibb said event tickets stated that no camp fires would be allowed.

He added: "We are reviewing, with the emergency services, our policy on gas cylinders in the future.

"As event organisers we are posting additional notices at campsite entrances, warning people of the dangers of the use of gas canisters."