Thousands line Glasgow streets for Orange Order processions

Members of the County Grand Orange Lodge
Members of the County Grand Orange Lodge
Robert Perry
Gareth Milner

By Gareth Milner


Published: 18/09/2021

- 14:25

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:25

Police Scotland confirmed up to 800 officers have been deployed to manage the event

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Glasgow for Orange Order processions.

About 5,000 people were expected to attend the parades on Saturday.


Footage shows crowds lining streets in the city centre including George Street and West George Street, and a large police presence at Glasgow Green where members of the parades are expected to gather in the afternoon.

Police Scotland confirmed up to 800 officers have been deployed to manage the event.

Glasgow City Council said 32 roads in the city have been closed off for the processions, and are expected to reopen at about 3pm.

Earlier this week, Glasgow’s police chief warned the force will not tolerate “offensive behaviour, including hate crimes, drunkenness and disorder” and urged the “large majority” who behave in the “right way” to influence those around them.

One attendee who preferred not to be named told the PA news agency that the processions so far “seemed peaceful”.

Members of the County Grand Orange Lodge take part in the annual Orange walk parade through the city centre of Glasgow. Over 5,000 members are expected to take part in over 30 marches across the city, last years marches were unable to take place due to coronavirus restrictions relating to the size of outdoor gatherings. Picture date: Saturday September 18, 2021.
Members of the County Grand Orange Lodge
Robert Perry

Members of Call It Out, a campaign group that opposes anti-Irish and anti-Catholic bigotry, were spotted holding “peaceful vigils” outside churches on the routes.

A spokeswoman for the group said: “We are calling on all Glasgow citizens, trade unionists, anti-racists, equality campaigners and those opposed to egregious manifestations of anti-Catholic hatred to join us in peaceful protest in response to the imposition of these marches by anti-Catholic organisations.”

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