A massive Orange Lodge march through the streets of Perth has the potential to create “disorder, disruption and discontent,” an MP has warned.
Around 10,000 people are expected to descend on Perth for the parade, bringing the town centre to a standstill.
Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart fears the march set to be held on June 26 could cause chaos.
Some 4000 members will march in uniform for around an hour before gathering on the South Inch as part of the order’s annual commemoration of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
As many as 6000 additional “supporters and spectators” are also expected to attend leaving Mr Wishart deeply concerned.
“I am extremely disappointed that the County Grand Lodge of the East of Scotland has decided to bring their annual parade to Perth,” he said.Disorder and discontent”The history of this parade whenever it has come to Perth has been a legacy of disruption, disorder and discontent.
“I am concerned that we will experience that once again this year.”
The procession will require a massive police presence with 100 officers from Tayside Police supplemented by 20 special constables.
Councillors last week voted by three to two in favour of letting the controversial march take place.
But Mr Wishart clearly believes the application should have been refused.
“These commemorations have no relevance to Perth as can be seen by anyone who has observed the handful of Orangemen walking behind a single hired band which constitutes the local lodge’s annual outing,” he said.
“This county parade is a different matter altogether and represents an importation into Perth that is entirely alien to the people of this part of the country.”Think again callHe added, “I still hope at this late stage we can still persuade those who would bring this divisive parade to Perth to think again.”
Starting at Lesser South Inch, the procession will go down Shore Road, Tay Street, High Street, George Street, Mill Street, Scott Street and Marshall Place.
James MacLean, a former county grand master, said, “That others may be offended by the perceived message of the procession is not a reason in itself to object to the march.”
The organisers will also provide their own stewards.
They have also pledged that the march will be “dry”, with those involved banned from consuming alcohol while involved in the procession or while gathering at the Lesser South Inch.
One local lodge member said, “As with everything, you can get a few troublemakers but that is not the same as the chaos some people are expecting.
“We are not racists or bigots, we are members of the Church of Scotland who want to mark an important date.”