Orange Order chiefs to meet with Scottish Government over air gun attack on marchers in Glasgow
'COWARDLY ACT' Orange Order chiefs to meet with Scottish Government over air gun attack on marchers in Glasgow
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OFFICIALS from the Scottish Government are to meet with the Orange Order after an air rifle was fired at participants in a recent march.
Thousands marched through Glasgow earlier this month as part of celebrations to commemorate the 1690 Battle of the Boyne.
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Orange Order bosses slammed yobs who fired an air rifle at marchers
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Thousands of Orange Lodge members marched through the city on July 5
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The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland asked to meet with the First Minister
Credit: PA
During the day, four people were struck with "air weapon pellets", according to police, while the march continued along Sauchiehall Street, near Kelvingrove Park, with no serious injuries reported.
Speaking to the PA news agency, the First Minister confirmed officials will speak to representatives of the Orange Order on Wednesday, with community safety minister Siobhian Brown due to do the same at a later date.
"The Scottish Government is meeting with representatives of the Orange Order today," he said.
"Officials will take that forward and in due course, the community safety minister will meet with the Orange Order.
"In recent days, members of the Orange Order have been subjected to acts of violence which are deplorable and they are unacceptable to whoever they affect within our society.
"These matters are currently being taken forward by Police Scotland."
The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland asked to meet with the First Minister about the "cowardly" act which they say "endangered lives".
A spokesperson said previously: "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland expresses deep concern over the alarming incident that occurred, where members of our Institution were targeted and fired upon with an air rifle.
"This reckless act has escalated the level of hostility towards the Orange Order, endangering the lives of our members.
"The Most Worthy Grand Master urgently requests a meeting with the First Minister of Scotland to address this incident and the escalating tide of anti-Protestant sentiment we face daily.
Hundreds step out for women's Orange Walk through Glasgow
"We urge the First Minister to take decisive action against these hate crimes, including condemning the attacks on our properties and our members.
"The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland stands united with the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow and Police Scotland in ensuring that those responsible for this cowardly act are swiftly brought to justice."
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