The Orange Order has held its first march in the northeast of Scotland in 25 years. The parade took place in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, on Saturday morning, despite objections from more than 500 people who expressed concerns about the event.
March details and objections
The march was organised by the Dunnottar Martyrs Memorial Loyal Orange Lodge. Councillors approved the plans earlier this year on the condition that no music was played near places of worship. Brian Menzies, of the Stonehaven and District Community Council, said residents were "deeply worried and exasperated" about the procession.
According to the BBC, around 50 people took part in the march, with streets lined by dozens of spectators. Police Scotland reported that the march passed without any incidents.
Historical context
Orange Order processions commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. While common in Scotland's central belt, such marches are rare in the northeast. The last event in the area was in Aberdeen in 2001, when protesters followed about 200 attendees through the city centre. Prior to that, an Orange Order parade had not occurred in Aberdeen for 14 years.
In 2024, Aberdeenshire Council blocked the Orange Lodge from marching through Stonehaven. The Orange Order of Scotland had hoped to celebrate the opening of a new lodge in the town hall during the event, with around 200 expected attendees. A Sheriff dismissed an appeal by the Orange Lodge against the decision.
Community reaction
More than 100 formal objections to the march were made to the council from local residents. Former SNP MSP Kevin Stewart said at the time: "Good news! I am extremely pleased that councillors have unanimously agreed to put a halt to this march. This is a clear message that there is no place for sectarianism, division and bigotry in the North East."
