Massive Orange Walk to cause disruption in North Ayrshire

File photo of an Orange Walk held in Motherwell. Picture: Alan Watson

A notice posted on the North Ayrshire Council website yesterday alerts constituents to the procession in Saltcoats on Saturday July 1.

The message from the Labour minority Administration reads: “North Ayrshire Council has received notification from County Grand Lodge of Ayrshire, Renfrewshire and Argyll of their intention to hold a public procession in Saltcoats on Saturday, 1 July.

“The organisers, in line with human rights legislation, are permitted to organise processions and don’t need a licence from the Council.

But as approximately 2000 participants will take part, the Council, Police Scotland and the Lodge have held a number of meetings to discuss the route and how the procession can be best managed.”

The group is expected to assemble in the town’s Glebe Park at 11am, march for just under two miles, and return for speeches in the park by 1.15pm.

A senior member of the Orange Order had a stern warning for those who seek to disrupt the event or use it to criticise others.

Grand Master of the Orange Order in Scotland, Jim McHarg, told the Ayrshire Post: “We once again call upon every member of the Orange Order to enjoy the day with the utmost decorum.

“Our parades are a celebration of our heritage, not an excuse for anyone to criticise anyone else’s faith or beliefs.

“I also have a message to the members of the public who are not members of the Order but choose to come along and support our parades: you are welcome, but please enjoy the music, colour and excitement of the march responsibly – alcohol on the streets is not permitted or wanted.”

There is expected to be a build up of activity across the country as the Orange Order prepares to mark “The Twelvth” - their annual celebration on July 12 celebrating the victory of William of Orange at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.