Thousands march through Glasgow for biggest Orange parade of year
Thousands of band members from the Orange Order marched through Glasgow on Saturday as part of the annual Boyne parade, with an estimated 11,000 people attending the event.
Several streets around the city centre were closed off for the procession arranged by the County Grand Orange Lodge of Glasgow. Bands paraded with music and banners before gathering at Glasgow Green. The route for the parade was different this year due to a number of works going on around the city centre.
The annual walk commemorates the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, which involved the forces of the deposed King James II, a Catholic, and those of King William III, a Protestant also known as William of Orange. The battle took place across the River Boyne near the town of Drogheda in the Republic of Ireland. The Orange Order itself was founded in Ireland in 1795.
Various bands participated in the march, including Baillieston True Blues, Cowcaddens Orange Purple District, Dalmarnock Orange and Purple, Dumbarton Orange Purple District and Kelvingrove Orange and Purple District.
Ahead of the march, the Loyal Orange Institution of Scotland said: "The Grand Lodge Trustees convey their congratulations and best wishes to the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow ahead of their Boyne celebrations in Glasgow. We hope the day is marked by fellowship dignity and success for Brother Mark Kirkland RWCGM Right Worthy County Grand Master and all those who are participating."
Police Scotland confirmed that while the vast majority of the 11,000 participants behaved responsibly, four arrests were made during the often controversial parade. A 31-year-old woman was arrested in connection with acts of disorder and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Two men were issued with fixed penalty notices for assault and a woman was issued with a fixed penalty notice for disorder. Additionally, a 21-year-old man not connected with the parade was arrested in connection with obstructing officers and an outstanding warrant.
Superintendent Natalie Carr said: "A proportionate policing plan was in place and we worked with a range of partners to ensure public safety and minimise disruption to the wider community."