T IN THE PARK organisers have been accused of potentially breaking the law by blocking up a suspected otter's den.
Organisers DF Concerts own environment consultants said that they were aware of the possible otter holt on the site and monitored it for eight days.
The experts concluded the hole was not being used by otters and bricked it up.
Skye-based Dr Paul Yoxon, head of operations at the International Otter Survival Fund, said DF Concerts should have monitored the site for a longer period using cameras, or the organisers risk a fine of up to £6,000
The company firmly denies it has broken the law.
The firm faces a tight deadline to get permission from the local council to use the grounds of Strathallan Castle, Perthshire, for the event on July 10 to 12.
The Environmental Statement report from DF Concerts says a possible otter holt was monitored for eight days using a pad inside the cavity and sticks across the entrance.
After "no signs" of mammal use were recorded "the hole was blocked with stones and bricks."
T in the Park said Dr Yoxon's "comments appear to be based on a lack of significant facts and information".
A spokeswoman said: "He has not undertaken any visit to the site and has clearly not read the Environmental Statement or its Addendum properly."
She added the ecologist hired by the organises said the hole was too small and completely unsuitable as to be an otter holt.
She also said squirrel dreys found on the site have been found to belong to grey squirrels and suggested they may be culled.
"We are taking it very seriously that Dr Yoxon has falsely suggested we might have broken the law," she concluded.
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