Zero tolerance of sectarian crime is the police message for 8,000 Orange marchers

Around 8,000 marchers from 182 lodges are expected at the event in Glasgow on Saturday.

This year, the march will be accompanied mainly by professionally-trained stewards employed by the organisers, reducing the need for so many police to escort the parade.

Instead, police will be free to focus on spotting and arresting those engaging in sectarian behaviour and people drinking alcohol in public.

Assistant Chief Constable Campbell Corrigan, of Strathclyde Police, warned that police would be taking a tough approach.

He said: "The message this year is stronger than ever that sectarian behaviour and public drinking will not be tolerated.

"Our officers will be briefed to target and arrest those who are committing these offences.

"Public drinking in Glasgow is against the law and people who turn up with alcohol will have it confiscated and may be issued with a fixed-penalty fine.

"Our priority is to keep people safe and we want to make sure the general public, including those taking part in the march, can come into Glasgow city centre on Saturday without too much disruption or intimidation from excessive drunkenness or disorderly behaviour.

"We appreciate the support and co-operation we have had from the Orange Order in arranging this year's march."

Police have worked with the organisers and Glasgow City Council this year to devise the new way of managing the event.

The parade, accompanied by around 800 stewards, will set off from George Square to Glasgow Green, where a rally will be held, after which three parades will set off in different directions as lodges head back to their local areas.

Police would not comment on how many officers would be deployed on Saturday.

Henry Dunbar, Grand Master of the Orange Order, urged people to behave well this weekend.

He said: "This has not been easy, but I believe a solution has been found and I am grateful to Assistant Chief Constable Campbell Corrigan for his positive and helpful attitude.

"The Order is introducing a number of crucial changes designed to reduce the demands upon police time and free them up to concentrate upon the antisocial behaviour of a young element that has often been an embarrassment to us in previous years, as well as a blight on society as a whole.

"Perhaps the most significant change is a much earlier time for the organised dispersal of lodges returning from Glasgow Green. Not only will this contain the entire event within one police shift, but it will greatly reduce and hopefully eliminate the baleful experience of youths drinking to excess while waiting for the lodge dispersal.

"I call upon every member of the Order to enjoy the day with the utmost decorum.

"I also have a message to our more boisterous supporters: you are welcome, but please enjoy the music, colour and excitement of the march responsibly - and leave the booze at home."

Officers and stewards will be on the route to help with traffic restrictions during the parade. People driving in and around the city centre are advised to follow the advice and directions given.

ACC Corrigan added: "This is an all-day event and therefore road users, residents, businesses and shoppers can all expect some long delays.

"I would urge people to be mindful of the parades or to consider alternative routes for the duration of the marches on this day."