IT has a reputation as the most sectarian town in Scotland, but more than 300 residents took to the streets yesterday to prove that image wrong.

IT has a reputation as the most sectarian town in Scotland, but more than 300 residents took to the streets yesterday to prove that image wrong.

The unprecedented march through Larkhall brought together representatives from nine different local churches, both Protestant and Catholic.

In what was described by the organisers as a "unique ecumenical event", parishioners of all ages walked the one-and-a-half mile route from Chalmers Parish Church to St Mary's Catholic Church, stopping off at the Larkhall Baptist Church and St Machan's.

Organised by Larkhall council of churches as a celebration of Palm Sunday, the marchers followed a six-foot wooden cross carried by Father John Iron, parish priest at St Mary's, and the Rev Lindsay Schluter, of Trinity Parish Church.

Although those attending the event said interfaith relations between the different churches and denominations had been "wonderful" for many years, the public display of unity was the first of its kind in the South Lanarkshire town.

However, Father Irons said: "Larkhall has suffered for many years from very negative opinions from many people, not least the tabloid media. This is not a true reflection of life for most people who live there.

"For many years now, the churches have worked together, providing many ecumenical events for people to become involved with."

He added: "In joining together in this way, we are sending out a very positive and united message to all people that sectarianism is no longer welcome anywhere and that working together is the best way forward for everyone."

Margaret Little, also from Chalmers, added: "It's a small minority that spoil things for everyone."

The Rev Schluter, who chairs the town's council of churches, said: "One of the things we agonised over was avoiding calling it a parade or a walk. People are very conscious of sectarianism, and they don't like it. Today is about cementing and developing the good relations we've built up."