Orange Order to meet SNP Government officials after accusing John Swinney of 'silence' over air gun attack
The Orange Order is to hold a meeting with SNP Government officials after an air rifle was fired at a procession, John Swinney has said.
Thousands of OO held their annual "Big Walk" through Glasgow earlier this month as part of celebrations to commemorate the 1690 Battle of the Boyne.
Police later reported that four people were struck with "air weapon pellets' while the march continued along Sauchiehall Street, near Kelvingrove Park, with no serious injuries reported.
The organisation also claimed its halls have been vandalised and that female members have been abused online.
A senior lodge leader later claimed "silence" from the First Minister was giving a "green light" to attacks on Protestant groups. Grand Master Andrew Murray laimed "the silence from the first minister itself almost gives a green light to attack our parades".
Murray denied there was any sectarian aspect to the marches. He added: "We have a place in society, we're a law-abiding organisation and we work cross community."
The First Minister today confirmed officials will speak to representatives of the Orange Order on Wednesday, with community safety minister Siobhian Brown due to do the same at a later date.
"The Scottish Government is meeting with representatives of the Orange Order today,' he said. "Officials will take that forward and in due course, the community safety minister will meet with the Orange Order.
"In recent days, members of the Orange Order have been subjected to acts of violence which are deplorable and they are unacceptable to whoever they affect within our society. These matters are currently being taken forward by Police Scotland.'
David Walters, executive officer of the Orange Lodge of Scotland, claimed that if any other group had been attacked then the incident would have been taken more seriously.
He cited an example of "abhorrent" vandalism at a Catholic school in East Renfrewshire, which Swinney subsequently visited to express solidarity.
Walters said: "The first minister, in days, was over at that school for graffiti, yet when eight people are shot we don't see sight or sound of him." Asked why he though that was the case, he replied: "I think it's because we're a unionist group."
Thousands of people marched in Glasgow on July 5. The biggest Orange Order walk in Scotland generally takes place the weekend before July 12 celebrations in Belfast.
Police Scotland said the procession was passing along Sauchiehall Street, near Kelvingrove Street, when the the suspected air gun attack happened.
The force said the following day that four people had been hit and that it was investigating the "dangerous" incident.
Elsewhere, four people were arrested following Orange Order processions in Lanarkshire.
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