Orange Order 'frustrated' as John Swinney 'refuses to meet'

The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland has expressed “frustration” over First Minister John Swinney’s “ongoing refusal to meet”.

On Tuesday, Scotland’s oldest and largest Protestant fraternity — represented by grand master Andrew Murray, senior depute grand master Edward McGonnell, and executive officer David Walters— met with community safety minister Siobhian Brown.

The Lodge said it raised concerns at the “productive meeting”, including anti-Protestant vandalism, physical assaults, and a recent air pellet shooting incident in Kelvingrove.

The First Minister previously described acts of violence against the Orange Order as “completely and utterly unacceptable”.

However, in a statement shared with STV News, the Order claimed that Swinney is “refusing” to meet with the group.

‘Deep concern’

Glasgow & West

Four hit with ‘air weapon pellets’ during Orange Order procession

No one was injured in the incident in Glasgow on Saturday, police said.

Police launched an investigation after several marchers taking part in an Orange Order procession were hit by pellets on Sauchiehall Street near Kelvingrove Street on July 5.

Officers said no one was injured but condemned the “dangerous occurrence”.

The parades were part of celebrations for the County Grand Orange Lodge of Glasgow and Orange Lodges in Lanarkshire to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

The Grand Lodge released a statement expressing “deep concern” following the incident.

Elsewhere, four people were arrested following Orange Order processions in Lanarkshire.

The Order said no political party in Scotland was addressing “the rise in anti-Protestant hate crimes”.

Following the meeting with Siobhian Brown, the Lodge laid out six demands it has asked of the First Minister – including an amendment to the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 to protect the protestant community.

It also includes establishing a “protection fund” for properties damaged by religiously motivated hate crimes, providing funding for cross-community engagement, and encouraging responsible media engagement.

The group is also calling for the creation of a working group comprising the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, and the Loyal Orange Institution, and that protestant representation is present in government consultations dealing with hate crime.

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “I made clear following recent reports of an attack on an Orange Order public march that any form of hatred and prejudice is abhorrent and will not be tolerated.

“My meeting with the Grand Orange Lodge was constructive. I listened to their concerns and we have identified opportunities for further engagement around hate crime, interfaith and community cohesion, both at official and ministerial level.”