A controversial march by thousands of loyalist group members passed through Perth without trouble on Saturday, police said.
The gathering of Apprentice Boys of Derry groups from across the country saw the city centre grind to a standstill for more than an hour.
Despite fears over the mix of sun, afternoon drinking and the nature of the event, there were no flashpoints.
Local politicians had called for the parade to be axed, calling it “divisive” and pointing out Perth’s lack of connection to the 17th century siege of Londonderry from which the group draws its origins.
But in its aftermath, a spokesman for the march said: “There was no need for the scare stories. We‘ve brought a great spectacle to the city of Perth and people have welcomed us with open arms.”
As many as 4,000 Apprentice Boys gathered on Tay Street for the march, as thousands more lined the streets to watch the colourful scene as the bands’ flutes and drums resonated throughout the city.
However, some locals seemed bemused by the march.Photo gallery: Apprentice Boys of Derry march in PerthJohn Radcliffe, from Perth, said: “It’s a strange idea that they’re coming to Perth to do this. It doesn’t seem a good fit.
“It’s something you’d expect on the west coast but not here. They’ve bussed all these people through and it’s a bit of a pain really.”
A business owner, who asked not to be named said: “It was actually nice to watch but I’m not sure what it’s done for the city. My shop hasn’t had any extra customers in.
“As far as I know they all got on the busses and went home again. I’m not convinced it’s a great thing for the city.”
MP Pete Wishart was a vociferous critic of the march. He said: “The Festival of the Arts is on so it’s the worst possible time to bring something so divisive to the city a time when we are trying to attract tourists and make the best of the summer.”