A top Orange Order chief has insisted next summer’s walk through Glasgow City Centre “will definitely go ahead,” despite the date clashing with that of Scotland’s newest music festival.
After a successful debut year at Glasgow Green, TRNSMT will be returning to the city from July 6 to 8, 2018.
READ MORE: Bloodshed, drunkenness and triumphalism - the Orange Order on the streets of Scotland
However, organisers of the music event - set up to replace the much-loved T in the Park - could be at loggerheads with Orange Lodge bosses as the Protestant group prepares to parade through the same park on July 7, 2018 where tens of thousands of music lovers will be flocking to.
Executive officer for the Grand Orange Lodge in Scotland, Robert McLean, remained unyielding and described how the march “will definitely go ahead.”
READ MORE: Orangemen warned to ‘reject Rome’ and not use RIP on social media
He said: “Why should we change now because a pop festival has just appeared? Glasgow Green is a public space.”
“The council agreed years ago that they would always accommodate a march on the first Saturday of July. I’m sure a solution will be found,” he added, reports The Scottish Sun.
READ MORE: Orange Walks shut down key routes in Glasgow city centre
One source connected to both events, however, insisted both parties are “willing to compromise,” while a Police Scotland spokesperson said both events would be “policed appropriately.”
Glasgow City Council and TRNSMT organisers did not comment on the matter.
The main County Grand Orange Order parade from George Square to Glasgow Green this year saw 4,500 people in 63 bands take part, with another 4,000 spectators lining the streets.
READ MORE: TRNSMT music festival 'will add £10m to Glasgow's economy'
It was in celebration of Prince William of Orange's victory over King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
Eight arrests were made on the day for alleged minor disorder and alcohol-related offences.
READ MORE: Protest movement against Orange walks set up ahead of another weekend of marches
The Evening Times reported this month how dozens of street marches across Scotland - including many run by the Orange Order - face being cancelled as the police act on fresh legal advice, likely to hike the cost of parades.
However, just days later, a leading expert on parades claimed costs could affect the organisers of local marches and community protests, while larger organisations like the Orange Order escape being billed.
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