Ex-Orange leader to fight dismissal

THE former grand secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, who last year said the organisation could set up a “paramilitary force” if the Scottish Nationalists were voted in, is set to take legal action claiming he was unfairly dismissed.

Jack Ramsay had his contract for the 20,000-plus post terminated last Hogmanay following nearly seven years’ service.

But yesterday, a spokesman for the group, which has 50,000 members in Scotland, denied Mr Ramsay’s remarks were the reason for him leaving and said it was to do with the modernisation of the organisation.

Mr Ramsay caused concern last year when, just ahead of the marching season, he said the Orange Order could become a proscribed organisation if Scotland became independent.

He has now lodged an employment tribunal complaint of unfair dismissal, breach of contract and a demand for redundancy payment.

Yesterday, Grand Master Ian Wilson said the Lodge is resisting his complaints, but hoped the matter could be settled amicably.

Mr Wilson admitted members were “perturbed” by Mr Ramsay’s comments but said no action was taken against him: “If there had been such an outcry within the organisation he could have been disciplined and could have been sacked.”

Mr Wilson said Mr Ramsay had been employed as grand secretary on a seven-year contract which had expired.

Mr Wilson added: “We have been attempting to modernise and improve the administrative structure since the move to the new headquarters at Olympia House, in Glasgow, and more was expected of the full-time officer. A decision had been taken to create a new post of executive officer and the holder of the secretary’s post would no longer receive a salary.’’

Mr Wilson said Mr Ramsay would not allow himself to go forward and be considered for the new post leading to the appointment of a new grand secretary. He added: “We are resisting all three complaints raised but we really don’t think Jack has a case. We are hopeful the matter can be resolved amicably without the need to go to a tribunal.”

Mr Ramsay refused to comment.