POLICE have issued a warning about traffic disruption in and around Glasgow city centre ahead of the annual County Grand Orange Order parade which takes place on Saturday.

There will be 63 bands and around 4500 musicians and supporters involved in the procession which will leave George Square at around 10.30am.

Police also expected around 4,000 people to turn out to watch the parade.

Several feeder marches will also take place across the city from around 8am before participants assemble at George Square at around 10am for a short service at the Cenotaph. 

From there, the parade will head to the Glasgow Green where a rally will be held and this will finish at 4pm when the bands will make the return journey back to their various areas.

Several roads will be effected by the parade including Blythswood Square, West George Street, George Square, George Street, High Street, Saltmarket and Glasgow Green.

There will be numerous roads closures during the day around the city, particularly on side roads leading to the march route.

The full parade from George Square to Glasgow Green will take two hours to complete.

In order to minimise disruption in the city centre, officers and stewards will be on points to assist with traffic restrictions during the parade. People driving in and around the city centre are advised to follow the advice and directions given, and to leave extra time for their journey.

Police Scotland Superintendent Jim Coubrough, is in charge of policing the event,

He said: “Traffic delays are inevitable, however, we have been liaising closely with event organisers and the local authority to minimise disruption to road users and local community.

“Thousands of people will be involved in the parade and I would advise those intending to come into the city to plan their travel well ahead on the day.

“My priority is public safety. That means the safety of everyone - those taking part in the parade and the public in general - those in the city to shop, work or who live there.

"As everyone should be aware by now, drinking alcohol in the street or in any public place is illegal and officers will be ensuring that people comply with this legislation. Previous experience shows that it is the unwelcome minority who use the event to drink too much and cause offence, however, be assured we will not tolerate and sectarian or antisocial behaviour."

Henry Dunbar, Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, added: “The annual Glasgow Boyne Celebration is the city’s biggest street event and we want spectators to enjoy the music and the pageantry in a carnival atmosphere. 

"We do not wish anyone’s enjoyment spoiled by antics of boozed-up foul mouthed followers. There is no place in our celebrations for public drinking, abusive behaviour or offensive chants. 

"This type of behaviour undermines all the positive work carried out by the Orange Order and its members and negatively influences the public perception of what it is actually all about – a democratic right to march and celebration of our culture."