At a meeting of the local authority's general purposes committee, the Loyal Orange Institution of Scotland, represented by James McLean, proposed a morning and afternoon parade in the town on Saturday, June 28, to celebrate the 318th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.

The procession would be made up of 100 people and include a pipe band.

Parade

But Penicuik Inspector Neil Simpson told members organisers should ensure no more than 20 people followed the parade on its route.

Lothian and Borders Police also called for the route to be amended so it moved from John Street, the site of Sacred Heart RC Church, into Carlops Road.

Warned

A letter from Inspector Simpson also said the police would monitor the conduct of participants and spectators and warned the organiser regarding anyone using foul and abusive language or singing sectarian songs during the parade.

But Mr McLean said: "We feel like this is gratuitously offensive to the Loyal Orange Order," adding: "The Orange Order dispute that it is a sectarian organisation."

Inspector Simpson told the meeting: "I think what we are trying to do here is lessen the impact on the people of Penicuik and on policing."


For full story, see The Advertiser, Thursday May 15 2008.