Independent group set up by Government to review marches and parades in Scotland

An independent group has been established by the Scottish Government to review marches and parades in Scotland.

The short life working group will bring together experts on marches, human rights, community engagement and mediation.

It comes after a commitment made in September last year to look at the issue following sectarian and anti-Catholic incidents.

Members of the group will now consider whether other models used to regulate marches, such as the Parades Commission in Northern Ireland, can be adapted and applied in Scotland.

A report with initial findings will be provided in the summer.

Justice secretary Keith Brown explained the Government is open to “considering all options” to ensure the right balance is struck.

“The right to peacefully march and parade is fundamental to all democracies, but the right to march must be balanced with the rights of communities to go about their business undisturbed,” he said.

“We are determined to achieve that balance and are open to considering all options which will help to ensure that such a balance is struck.

“The findings of the expert working group will help us as we make progress on this important issue.”

Chair of the working group Professor Dominic Bryan said: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to review marches and parades in Scotland and the mechanisms that balance the rights of marchers and the communities impacted by marches.”