Politicians who campaigned against a march through the streets of Perth by the Orange Order have been accused of making “inflammatory comments.”
The parade through the town centre passed off without incident last Saturday, despite warnings of potential “disorder, disruption and discontent.”
Around 4000 loyalists marched, cheered by thousands of onlookers.
Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham had urged local people to turn their back on the men and women of the Orange order, while Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart had called for the parade to be cancelled and later insisted residents had been left feeling intimidated.
After weeks of adverse publicity, the secretary of Perth Orange Lodge 209, David Walters, has hit back at the high profile critics.
He said, “Every newspaper article and television or radio report that has covered Saturday’s event has praised it as being very successful and colourful.
“Some 15,000 people were on the streets, mainly clapping and cheering as the procession went by.
“Despite this Mr Wishart says the atmosphere was ugly and that the city felt under siege. What absolute rubbish.”
Mr Walters accused the MP of “getting his facts wrong.”
“He never researched the history of the parade or spoke to the people who organised the event, including the police, council officials and lodge representatives,” he continued.
“Mr Wishart also said he did not want us to come back to Perth again. To me this sounds like someone who has lost the argument and has been proved to be wrong.
“He cannot admit his comments and predictions were inaccurate, but he should remember we are the people of Perth-we won’t be coming back because we are already here.”
The Scottish Government’s commitment to an all inclusive Scotland has, Mr Walters claimed, been undermined by local politicians.
“The SNP’s slogan is One Scotland, Many Cultures perhaps we need to add ‘apart from the ones Pete and Roseanna don’t like.’
“The Orange Order will be parading in Perth no matter what Mr Wishart thinks during and after his time representing this proud city.”
Mr Walters believes the MSP will pay for her comments when voters next take to the polls.
“I am sure the people of Perth will remember her stance and attitude when the Scottish Parliament elections come around very soon, and in my opinion Perth would be a better place without both her and Mr Wishart,” he continued.
“Once again I would like to thank Tayside Police and the local council for helping organise a fantastic event and also the 15,000 Perth citizens who supported it on the streets.”