Council unanimously blocks plan for Orange Lodge opening parade

A council has unanimously rejected plans for a parade to celebrate the opening of an Orange Lodge in Stonehaven.

Members of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland had outlined plans to march from Stonehaven Town Hall, in Allardice Street, to Dunnottar Cemetery on March 16 at 2pm.

The Kincardine and Mearns area committee met on Tuesday, March 5, to consider the application. Councillors spent more than two hours considering their decision and asking questions of representatives.

The notice of procession application sent to the local authority suggested that around 200 people were likely to take part in the march. The local Lodge is understood to have 40 members.

The route was planned to pass six places of worship.

The Orange Order said it would appeal the decision saying its members had a right to march.

An online petition launched calling for the event, described as “deeply rooted in sectarianism”, to be stopped received more than 9,800 signatures.

There were more than 100 formal objections made to the council.

David Walters, executive officer for the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, said: “We are disappointed but not surprised, I believe we won the legal argument but it was apparent that the counsellors had already made their mind up against their own solicitors advice and guidance.

“We will now seek legal advice and appeal to Aberdeen sheriff court.”