Latest news with #LadiesOrangeAssociationofScotland
The Herald Scotland
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
'Orange Order's enemies are Holyrood politicians - not Catholics'
I've been a witness to these parades for most of my adult life. As a Catholic growing up in the west of Scotland, they held a cautious fascination for me: part fear, part excitement. Right now though, I'm experiencing something else; something I'd never previously have thought it possible to feel about this gathering: empathy, affection and … bloody hell: is there a bat-squeak of emotion here too? Watching an Orange parade swing past you is always something to behold; being present as this one rises on Holland Street, just below the square is something else entirely. It's not quite stumbling upon the source of the Nile, but for someone like me, it still feels rather – how can I put this – hallowed. Read more I've chosen to wear a blue suit for the occasion and I'm standing just a little back from the throng as it begins to swell. A wee phalanx of ladies, all smart and pleased in their orange dresses and white jackets passes by. One of them, seeing me spark up a cigarette, asks for a light. 'You've got a good day for it,' I venture. 'Thank God,' she says, 'I can't afford to have another hat ruined by the rain.' Another thought: I've been on many political marches and protests, but this is probably the most authentically working-class gathering I've ever seen. If you know, you know. The clothing, the snatched conversations about the Rangers and their present perils; the hand movements, the way a cigarette is held; the shapes, the sizes, the absolute imperviousness to what anyone else might think of them. There's no belligerence here though; no hostility or threat. They're drawn mainly from the most economically-deprived neighbourhoods: Springburn, Possilpark, Townhead, Birdgeton, Dalmarnock, Calton, Toryglen, Gorbals. On social media posts in the days following this parade, a slew of unvarnished misogyny will accompany pictures of it, much of it from those who like to channel progressiveness and inclusion. The word 'hatefest' will feature from people actively engaging in 'hate' towards these women. It will come from a middle-class, political elite who actively pursue a cultural agenda of 'no-debate' which cancels dissidents; hounds them out of their jobs; publicly humiliates them and encourages their colleagues and family to disown them. It's from the Stasi playbook. They'll tell the Orangemen that they don't belong in modern, progressive, enlightened Scotland and to get back to the 19th century. This is ironic, because the attitudes and methods of the culture warriors are firmly rooted in the witch trials of the 16th century. The Ladies Orange Association of Scotland walk through the streets of Glasgow city centre last month (Image: Robert Perry) Last year, these same people had sought to destroy the political career of Kate Forbes, the most able Scottish politician of her generation, on account of her Free Presbyterianism. It was clear that in their Scotland, being an authentic Christian means you're less equal than them. Down from Blythswood Square, the bands are mustering and some flutes are tooting and tuning amidst clacking drumsticks. There's a wee blast of 'The Bangers' a term with which my old friend Graeme from the Scotsman used to call 'the Sash'. Bangers and mash: sash. There's a blast of The Dambusters. I'm here though, for the Lambeg drum and some shilpit wee bloke almost buckling under its weight battering it as though his life depended on it. 'Bam! Bam! Bam! … Bam! Bam! Bam! It is old but it is beautiful and its colours they are fine.' It's part of the soundtrack of my youth. But the big drum is nowhere to be seen or heard and I'm slightly disappointed. The grand chaplain in her purple dress is wearing a small tiara (Tiara Peepul). Standing beside her is Mr Walters, the Executive Officer and Andrew Murray, the Most Worthy Grand Master, both of whom I'd met a few days earlier. They're both looking proud as punch in dark suits and sashes and white gloves. Andrew spots me and runs over to say hello just before the parade starts. 'Should he be breaking the ranks,' I'm thinking. And then I'm looking about slightly nervously to see if anyone else had heard him shout 'Kevin'. And now we're off as the flutes and drums play Abide with Me. Then it's 'Sing Hosanna to the King of Kings as I fight the impious instinct to substitute Henrik Larssen for 'Sing Hosanna'. In secular Scotland where you get mocked by trade union leaders for your faith I'm beholding a group who walk behind the bible and belt out 'Sing Hosanna to the King of Kings'. The Orange Orders have serious (and entirely valid) issues with the abstruse and esoteric rituals of my Roman Catholic worship, but today – and not for the first time – I feel more comfortable with them than with the counterfeit neophiles who run Scotland. The Orange Order are for 'king and country' (Image: Robert Perry) At the Orange Order's headquarters down by the Clyde at Calton Place I'm sitting with Mr Walters and some of his confreres . Later, I'm posing for a picture with them underneath a rather fetching portrait of King Billy atop his white charger. There is some soil displacement in St Peter's Cemetery, Dalbeth. There's a growing resentment within the Orange Order that they've become an easy target for those who strive to proclaim their progressive values in Scotland. They're dismayed that a cohort of senior politicians in the SNP, the Scottish Greens and Labour are, they say, misrepresenting and undermining them. There is another irony here. Some of their fiercest critics who accuse them of anti-Catholicism are also happy to deny Catholics the full expression of their faith. Mr Walters makes the Orange Order's position clear. 'We're not hostile to any Roman Catholic. Certainly, we are in disagreement with some Catholic practices which we feel are at odds with the biblical teaching s of the reformed faith. What we celebrate in the Glorious Revolution is religious freedom for all which nonetheless allows us to disagree as they are free to do so with ours. Isn't this what diversity is supposed to mean?" Edward McGonnell is Senior Depute Grandmaster and is eager to amplify these sentiments. I take to him immediately. He talks quickly in that familiar monotone of all true sons of the Clyde. He paints pictures with couthy anecdotes featuring a sprawling cast of friends and family summoned from his youth. There are elaborate hand gestures. He supports Rangers and I support Celtic and so an old Glasgow diplomacy is at play whereby we will offer each other over-elaborate compliments or condolences about the form of our respective teams to signify that we both come in peace. When I meet Grandmaster Andrew Murray, he takes care to be gracious and urbane about Rangers' last-minute victory over Celtic the previous day. 'We are not the enemies of the Catholic Church,' says Edward. 'The enemies of Catholicism are to be found in an aggressively atheistic influence at Holyrood. They are hostile to authentic Protestantism too and I think the Orange Order and the Catholic Church and the Kirk should be acting in common cause to defend ourselves. 'Of course we've got sincere theological differences, with the Catholic Church, right? But that's the beauty of life in general. There's a lot that unites us. To me, our common threat is secularism.' He expresses sympathy for 'that wee woman who got lifted by the polis for saying her prayers outside a hospital'. Read more That all said, there's a reasonable opinion – not always rooted in being anti-Orange – that there are too many Orange Parades during the marching season. Why are these processions so important? It's an outward expression of our faith and culture,' says Mr McGonnell. 'Some people suggest that we should just 'march around a park' but they would never suggest the same for Palestinian demos, or pro-independence rallies, or anti-Brexit protests. 'People like to be seen to be associated with something that's important to them and their families: something that truly represents their values. In recent years, we've reduced the number of parades and apply stricter criteria on lodges seeking an application to march. We invest a lot of time and training in marshals to ensure the parades are peaceful and enjoyable for all." He won't say it, so I will: I want my Protestants to be properly Protestant and no messing about. It's the same with how I view Scottish nationalism and the Scottish Greens and the Labour party, none of whom, in their current incarnations, remotely resemble who they claim to be. 'There's been a campaign among certain politicians and media outlets to have us branded as toxic. They never wish to engage with us. They never wish to talk with us. They just want to brand us as toxic. We had a situation recently where one of our members, a clergyman, was attacked in Lanarkshire and racially and religiously abused. Neither John Mason, Humza Yousaf nor James Dornan raised a cheep about this as a hate crime. No one at Holyrood even believes that there's even such a thing as anti-Protestantism. We believe that any hate crime should be condemned. We've condemned it when it comes from any of our members.' He cites a 2023 Scottish government report which revealed that 47% of hate crimes were committed against the Catholic community while 16% was anti-Protestant and 16% Islamophobic. 'Recently, we had a meeting with the police, who told us that hate crime within the Christian communities in Scotland was now running at 50-50 between Catholics and Protestants. This isn't because there's been an increase in anti-Protestantism: it's because we've now instructed out members to report it, which we'd never done before.' Yet, still the sense persists that the Orange Order deliberately chooses routes that take the parades past Catholic churches. Mr McGonnell rejects this. 'In recent years, we've strived to forge a relationship with the Catholic parishes on our parade routes. 'It's difficult for us to deviate down side streets. We take the main arterial routes in and out of the city as agreed by the council and Police Scotland. Neither they nor we want a situation where someone is sitting at home and a parade is going past their window. William Craig, substitute county Grand Master, Kirsty McAinsh, Most Worthy Grand Mistress of Scotland, Edward McGonnell, senior depute Grand Master of the Orange Order of Scotland, and David Walters, executive officer of the Grand Orange Order of Scotland (Image: Gordon Terris) 'On the day of our Boyne celebrations in Glasgow, we'll go by about 13 Catholic places of worship. In the last five years we've been contacting the local priests for a chat. We want them to know in good time that if there's a wedding or funeral happening at the chapel, then we'll be happy to move our parade to an earlier or later time to avoid any conflict. We feel we have built good relationships with many local Catholic clergy.' Edward McGonnell talks about the Christian and political values that attracted him to the Orange Order. 'It gives us a sense of belonging. If you join the Orange Order you need to be a bible-reading Christian. You need to believe in God. We've had people seeking to join us who don't believe in God. So we have to tell them that means it's not for you. 'This is a Christian organisation which is patriotic to King and country. And that's proving attractive to young people. Our youth numbers have been up these last couple of years.' There's also a sense of betrayal in the Orange Order at its treatment by some in the Church of Scotland, which they think is rooted in ignorance about its values and an out-dated reputation around anti-Catholicism. In some areas, they believe they've had fairer treatment and a fairer hearing from Catholic clergymen. In Lanarkshire, members of the Slamannan Bible and Crown Defenders Loyal Orange Lodge No: 227 have met in the local parish church since 1963. Their fund-raising, amounting to tens of thousands of pounds, have helped maintain the church in good repair. Recently though, they've been evicted because, according to the Kirk Session, 'to continue the let was not felt to be congruent with how the Kirk Session of Upper Braes parish church wish to live out their purpose and values within the community'. The Church claimed that kicking out a group which has been faithful to the Kirk's values and poured cash into its upkeep was 'lawful in terms of the Equality Act 2010.' No reason was given save for a concern that the presence of the Orangemen would undermine collaboration with other Christian denominations. The ladies band in action (Image: Gordon Terris)Kirsty McAinsh, Most Worthy Grand Mistress of the Ladies Association in Scotland, points to the family values that underpin the Lodge's existence and, she says, its growing appeal among young people. 'There's a feeling that the Kirk has neglected its role in the formation of our young people, which was once evident in organisations like the Girl Guides and the Boys Brigade. In many places across Scotland the Orange Order is filling that gap. Our members are practising Christians, but they're choosing to leave churches where they're being made to feel unwelcome.' Perhaps, though, it's in the Orange Order's recent dialogue with the Irish Government and the Irish Consul in Scotland, where their efforts to break down barriers are part of a larger framework of peace and reconciliation. Mr Murray said: 'We're keen to establish a relationship with Irish groups in Scotland to increase mutual understanding and appreciation of the full spectrum of the Irish experience in Scotland.' Implicit in this perhaps, is a recognition that the sad modern history of Northern Ireland has been at the root of the religious divide and that the time has come for a healing to occur. A spokesperson for the Irish Consulate in Scotland said: 'The Irish Government has regular engagements with the Orange Order at both official and political levels. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made the first visit by a serving Taoiseach to the Orange Order in Belfast in 2018, meeting the leadership and paying his respects at a memorial to Orangemen killed during The Troubles. 'The then Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Michael Martin, visited the Museum of Orange Heritage in East Belfast in 2023, meeting with Grand Secretary Mervyn Gibson. Grand Secretary Gibson participated in a Shared Island Dialogue on Accommodating national identities in October, 2023, held at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, along with 300 civil society and cultural representatives from North and South. There was something else I'd felt up at Blythswood Square on that sunny, Sunday morning last month. It felt like a healing. I was at peace with these Orange ladies and their Orangemen and I think, at last, that they were at peace with me.
Glasgow Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Orange Order hit out at online trolls after Glasgow march
The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland has called for 'urgent action' on 'rising anti-Protestant hate'. It comes after members of the Ladies Orange Association of Scotland held an Orange walk in the city on Sunday, April 27, 2025. As part of the march, hundreds of women paraded through the city centre streets. We reported that around 500 people were expected to take part, including Orange bands. Following the event, the Grand Orange Lodge has claimed some of its members have been 'subjected to deeply offensive online abuse'. According to the Lodge, trolls have targeted its members for 'expressing their faith and culture'. (Image: Newsquest) They also revealed the abuse has 'caused serious emotional distress' to some of its members as well. Due to the alleged trolling, the Orange Order has urged the Scottish Government and Police to 'take urgent action'. The Order's Most Worthy Grand Master has also written to the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, to request an 'immediate meeting' to discuss the abuse. READ MORE: Big Orange walk to take place in Glasgow READ MORE: Orange Order reacts to Police Scotland decision on 'hate crime' In a statement, they said: "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland continues to highlight and condemn in the strongest terms the continued rise of anti-Protestant hatred across our country. "This troubling trend was once again evident following the recent Ladies Orange Association of Scotland's annual church parade held on Sunday, April 27, in Glasgow. "Members of our association have been subjected to deeply offensive online abuse, targeted solely for expressing their faith and culture. "This level of abuse has caused serious emotional distress, with some members experiencing trauma and mental health issues as a result of the level of abuse. "No other denomination in Scotland would be expected to tolerate such hostility, and the Protestant community is no different. "We will not accept this double standard in a modern Scotland. "The Ladies Orange Association of Scotland is a Christian-based fraternity that upholds values of faith, service, and community. "Our members, and the wider Loyal Orange Institution, contribute positively and actively within their local communities, often working quietly and tirelessly for the good of all. "The level of sectarian abuse directed at the Protestant community cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. "We call upon the Scottish Government and law enforcement agencies to take urgent action. "The Loyal Orange Institution demands that those responsible for this online hate be identified, investigated, and brought to justice. "Furthermore, the Most Worthy Grand Master has personally written to the First Minister of Scotland to request an immediate meeting to discuss this unacceptable and ongoing abuse toward our community. "We urge the First Minister to respond swiftly and meaningfully. "Hate has no place in a tolerant and equal society. "All communities in Scotland deserve respect, safety, and protection -without exception. "The Executive of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland stands in full support of the Most Worthy Grand Mistress and the Executive of the Ladies Orange Association of Scotland during this difficult time. "We offer our solidarity and support as they face unacceptable abuse, and we remain united in our commitment to defend and uphold the rights and dignity of our Protestant community and the Loyal Orange Institution of Scotland." The Scottish Government and Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
The National
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Orange Order ask John Swinney for help with online trolls after Glasgow march
The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland has called for "urgent action" on "rising anti-Protestant hate". It comes after members of the Ladies Orange Association of Scotland held an Orange walk in the city on Sunday, April 27, 2025. As part of the march, hundreds of women paraded through the city centre streets. The Glasgow Times reported that around 500 people were expected to take part, including Orange bands. Following the event, the Grand Orange Lodge has claimed some of its members have been "subjected to deeply offensive online abuse". According to the Lodge, trolls have targeted its members for "expressing their faith and culture". (Image: Newsquest) They also revealed the abuse has "caused serious emotional distress" to some of its members as well. Due to the alleged trolling, the Orange Order has urged the Scottish Government and police to "take urgent action". The Order's Most Worthy Grand Master has written to Swinney to request an "immediate meeting" to discuss the abuse. In a statement, they said: "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland continues to highlight and condemn in the strongest terms the continued rise of anti-Protestant hatred across our country. "This troubling trend was once again evident following the recent Ladies Orange Association of Scotland's annual church parade held on Sunday, April 27, in Glasgow. "Members of our association have been subjected to deeply offensive online abuse, targeted solely for expressing their faith and culture. "This level of abuse has caused serious emotional distress, with some members experiencing trauma and mental health issues as a result of the level of abuse. "No other denomination in Scotland would be expected to tolerate such hostility, and the Protestant community is no different. "We will not accept this double standard in a modern Scotland. "The Ladies Orange Association of Scotland is a Christian-based fraternity that upholds values of faith, service, and community. "Our members, and the wider Loyal Orange Institution, contribute positively and actively within their local communities, often working quietly and tirelessly for the good of all. "The level of sectarian abuse directed at the Protestant community cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. "We call upon the Scottish Government and law enforcement agencies to take urgent action. "The Loyal Orange Institution demands that those responsible for this online hate be identified, investigated, and brought to justice. "Furthermore, the Most Worthy Grand Master has personally written to the First Minister of Scotland to request an immediate meeting to discuss this unacceptable and ongoing abuse toward our community. "We urge the First Minister to respond swiftly and meaningfully. "Hate has no place in a tolerant and equal society. "All communities in Scotland deserve respect, safety, and protection -without exception. "The Executive of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland stands in full support of the Most Worthy Grand Mistress and the Executive of the Ladies Orange Association of Scotland during this difficult time. "We offer our solidarity and support as they face unacceptable abuse, and we remain united in our commitment to defend and uphold the rights and dignity of our Protestant community and the Loyal Orange Institution of Scotland." The Scottish Government and Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
Scottish Sun
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Hundreds step out for women's Orange Walk through Glasgow as major roads sealed off
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HUNDREDS of women stepped out in Glasgow to march in the city's first large Orange walk of the year. Donning large hats, colourful frocks and heels, around 500 members of the Ladies Orange Association of Scotland made their way through the city centre today, along with Orange bands. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 The women wore large hats, colourful frocks and heels Credit: Mark Ferguson 8 Around 500 members marched through the city Credit: Mark Ferguson 8 Major streets were sealed off for the event Credit: Mark Ferguson 8 Onlookers watch on as the group marched by Credit: Mark Ferguson The procession started on Holland Street at 1.45pm, before heading east of West Regent Street, into Blythswood Square, and then down West George Street. Marchers then made their through Nelson Mandela Place before continuing along West George Street. One lady donned a bright purple dress and matching hat, as she marched along holding up a large flag with bright white gloves. Two others wore matching blue outfits, complete with bright orange fascinators - complimenting their orange sashes. Blustery conditions saw some ladies, having to hold on to their hats - to stop them from blowing off their heads. Roads were shut to traffic during the parade, which paused in George Square for a wreath to be laid, before heading down George Street, High Street, Castle Street and Cathedral Square. Police were out on force, with one officer pictured walking beside the flute band. The march comes a day after an Irish Republican march took place through the city, commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising. The procession was organised by Scottish republican group Cairde na hEireann . Around 200 people took part in the march on Saturday afternoon, accompanied by Irish Republican bands. Orange Order bosses ban offensive songs at marches and impose booze ban 8 Many donned white gloves as they dressed up for the event Credit: Mark Ferguson 8 One lady donned a bright purple dress and matching hat Credit: Mark Ferguson 8 The members were escorted by police through the streets Credit: Mark Ferguson
The National
24-04-2025
- General
- The National
Orange Order walk to close major roads in Scottish city centre
Orange bands are expected to proceed along the route through Glasgow city centre starting at Holland Street at 1.15pm on Sunday, April 27. It is the first big Orange parade in the city centre this year and will be the first when George Square will be cordoned off to allow work to start on the redevelopment. Historically, the largest of the Orange walks are held in Glasgow. Feeder marches from across the city's north, south, east and west congregate in the city centre. READ MORE: Hundreds of women expected in first big Glasgow Orange march of 2025 Sunday's parade, organised by the Ladies Orange Association of Scotland, will head east on West Regent Street, into Blythswood Square, and down West George Street, before passing through Nelson Mandela Place, and continuing on West George Street. The marchers will head along into George Square on the north side, where they will pause for a wreath to be laid before they continue on George Street before turning into High Street and up to Castle Street before reaching Cathedral Square. The bands will then disperse at John Knox Street/Wishart Street. Those taking part will not be able to lay their wreath at the Cenotaph as normal due to the square closure, as it will be behind the hoardings. Last year, Church of Scotland ministers called for future marches to be kept off public roads after a council provost spoke of an Orange walk planned through their area with sectarian language.
