Latest news with #GrandOrangeLodgeofScotland
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Orange Order chiefs to meet with Scottish Government over air gun attack on marchers in Glasgow
They previously urged the First Minister to take 'decisive action' 'COWARDLY ACT' Orange Order chiefs to meet with Scottish Government over air gun attack on marchers in Glasgow Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OFFICIALS from the Scottish Government are to meet with the Orange Order after an air rifle was fired at participants in a recent march. Thousands marched through Glasgow earlier this month as part of celebrations to commemorate the 1690 Battle of the Boyne. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Orange Order bosses slammed yobs who fired an air rifle at marchers 3 Thousands of Orange Lodge members marched through the city on July 5 3 The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland asked to meet with the First Minister Credit: PA During the day, four people were struck with "air weapon pellets", according to police, while the march continued along Sauchiehall Street, near Kelvingrove Park, with no serious injuries reported. Speaking to the PA news agency, the First Minister 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." The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland asked to meet with the First Minister about the "cowardly" act which they say "endangered lives". A spokesperson said previously: "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland expresses deep concern over the alarming incident that occurred, where members of our Institution were targeted and fired upon with an air rifle. "This reckless act has escalated the level of hostility towards the Orange Order, endangering the lives of our members. "The Most Worthy Grand Master urgently requests a meeting with the First Minister of Scotland to address this incident and the escalating tide of anti-Protestant sentiment we face daily. Hundreds step out for women's Orange Walk through Glasgow "We urge the First Minister to take decisive action against these hate crimes, including condemning the attacks on our properties and our members. "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland stands united with the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow and Police Scotland in ensuring that those responsible for this cowardly act are swiftly brought to justice."
The National
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
SNP Government to meet Orange Order after walk 'hit with air pellets'
A procession was passing along Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street, near to Kelvingrove Street, when the incident reportedly happened on Saturday. Police said no-one was seriously injured but condemned the 'dangerous occurrence' and said investigations were continuing. The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland later released a statement condemning the 'alarming' suspected air weapon incident and expressing 'deep concern'. It stated: 'This reckless act has escalated the level of hostility towards the Orange Order, endangering the lives of our members. READ MORE: Scientist who died after being found seriously injured on street named by police 'The Most Worthy Grand Master urgently requests a meeting with the First Minister of Scotland to address this incident and the escalating tide of anti-Protestant sentiment we face daily.' In a Scottish Government statement, Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown confirmed that representatives would meet the Orange Order. 'It is deeply concerning that anyone would seek to attack a public march and put those taking part, as well as spectators and the wider public, at risk,' Brown said. "Ministers condemn behaviour of this kind against any individual or organisation, for which there can be no justification whatsoever. "The Scottish Government fully supports Police Scotland to take appropriate action following its investigation and will shortly meet with representatives of the Grand Orange Lodge to hear their concerns.' The Orange walks were part of celebrations for the County Grand Orange Lodge of Glasgow and Orange Lodges in Lanarkshire to remember the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Thousands of people took part in Scotland's largest city on Saturday in the biggest Orange event of the year. READ MORE: 'Pathetic grovelling': Keir Starmer told to 'stop cosying up' to Donald Trump Elsewhere, four people were arrested following Orange Order processions in Lanarkshire on the same day. Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, event commander for the annual Boyne processions in Glasgow and Lanarkshire, said: 'Police in Lanarkshire made four arrests following the Orange Order procession on Saturday July 5 2025. 'The offences were primarily for breach of the peace and acts of anti-social behaviour. 'There were no arrests at the event in Glasgow, however, we are investigating an incident on Sauchiehall Street near to Kelvingrove Street in Glasgow, where four participants in the procession were struck by what was believed to be air weapon pellets. 'Thankfully, no-one was seriously injured and our enquiries into this dangerous occurrence are ongoing. 'A proportionate policing plan was in place, and we worked with a range of partners to ensure public safety and reduce disruption to the wider community. 'I would like to thank the vast majority of the participants, and the wider community, who engaged positively and behaved responsibly throughout.'
Glasgow Times
06-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Orange Lodge hits out after air rifle fired at Glasgow march
Participants were walking along Sauchiehall Street near Kelvingrove Street yesterday when the incident took place. A spokesperson told The Scottish Sun: "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland expresses deep concern over the alarming incident that occurred yesterday, where members of our Institution were targeted and fired upon with an air rifle. "This reckless act has escalated the level of hostility towards the Orange Order, endangering the lives of our members." They added that The Most Worthy Grand Master requests a meeting with Scotland's First Minister to "address this incident and the escalating tide of anti-Protestant sentiment we face daily". Orange Lodge hits out after air rifle fired at Glasgow march (Image: Stewart Attwood) READ NEXT: Urgent probe launched after weapon fired during Orange Order procession The statement continued: "We urge the First Minister to take decisive action against these hate crimes, including condemning the attacks on our properties and our members. "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland stands united with the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow and Police Scotland in ensuring that those responsible for this cowardly act are swiftly brought to justice." Police Scotland said no one was injured but condemned the 'dangerous occurrence' and said investigations are ongoing.
The National
06-07-2025
- The National
Orange Lodge issues statement after marchers hit with air pellets
Participants were walking along Sauchiehall Street near Kelvingrove Street yesterday when the incident took place. A spokesperson told The Scottish Sun: "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland expresses deep concern over the alarming incident that occurred yesterday, where members of our Institution were targeted and fired upon with an air rifle. "This reckless act has escalated the level of hostility towards the Orange Order, endangering the lives of our members." READ MORE: Body of man recovered after car goes into river They added that The Most Worthy Grand Master requests a meeting with Scotland's First Minister to "address this incident and the escalating tide of anti-Protestant sentiment we face daily". The statement continued: "We urge the First Minister to take decisive action against these hate crimes, including condemning the attacks on our properties and our members. "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland stands united with the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow and Police Scotland in ensuring that those responsible for this cowardly act are swiftly brought to justice." Police Scotland said no one was injured but condemned the 'dangerous occurrence' and said investigations are ongoing.
Glasgow Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Orange Order hit out at online trolls after Glasgow march
The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland has called for 'urgent action' on 'rising anti-Protestant hate'. It comes after members of the Ladies Orange Association of Scotland held an Orange walk in the city on Sunday, April 27, 2025. As part of the march, hundreds of women paraded through the city centre streets. We reported that around 500 people were expected to take part, including Orange bands. Following the event, the Grand Orange Lodge has claimed some of its members have been 'subjected to deeply offensive online abuse'. According to the Lodge, trolls have targeted its members for 'expressing their faith and culture'. (Image: Newsquest) They also revealed the abuse has 'caused serious emotional distress' to some of its members as well. Due to the alleged trolling, the Orange Order has urged the Scottish Government and Police to 'take urgent action'. The Order's Most Worthy Grand Master has also written to the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, to request an 'immediate meeting' to discuss the abuse. READ MORE: Big Orange walk to take place in Glasgow READ MORE: Orange Order reacts to Police Scotland decision on 'hate crime' In a statement, they said: "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland continues to highlight and condemn in the strongest terms the continued rise of anti-Protestant hatred across our country. "This troubling trend was once again evident following the recent Ladies Orange Association of Scotland's annual church parade held on Sunday, April 27, in Glasgow. "Members of our association have been subjected to deeply offensive online abuse, targeted solely for expressing their faith and culture. "This level of abuse has caused serious emotional distress, with some members experiencing trauma and mental health issues as a result of the level of abuse. "No other denomination in Scotland would be expected to tolerate such hostility, and the Protestant community is no different. "We will not accept this double standard in a modern Scotland. "The Ladies Orange Association of Scotland is a Christian-based fraternity that upholds values of faith, service, and community. "Our members, and the wider Loyal Orange Institution, contribute positively and actively within their local communities, often working quietly and tirelessly for the good of all. "The level of sectarian abuse directed at the Protestant community cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. "We call upon the Scottish Government and law enforcement agencies to take urgent action. "The Loyal Orange Institution demands that those responsible for this online hate be identified, investigated, and brought to justice. "Furthermore, the Most Worthy Grand Master has personally written to the First Minister of Scotland to request an immediate meeting to discuss this unacceptable and ongoing abuse toward our community. "We urge the First Minister to respond swiftly and meaningfully. "Hate has no place in a tolerant and equal society. "All communities in Scotland deserve respect, safety, and protection -without exception. "The Executive of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland stands in full support of the Most Worthy Grand Mistress and the Executive of the Ladies Orange Association of Scotland during this difficult time. "We offer our solidarity and support as they face unacceptable abuse, and we remain united in our commitment to defend and uphold the rights and dignity of our Protestant community and the Loyal Orange Institution of Scotland." The Scottish Government and Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
