Councillors agree to block Stonehaven Orange Walk

The proposed procession was discussed during a meeting of the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee today.

By Ellie Milne & Shanay Taylor

March 5 2024, 2:58 pm

Members of the Orange Order (David Walters and James McLean) announced they will appeal the decision. Image: by Scott Baxter/ DC Thomson

A proposed Orange Walk to be held in Stonehaven this month has been blocked after councillors voted to prohibit the march.

Councillors made the decision during a meeting of the Kincardine and Mearns area committee in Stonehaven today.

Unlike an application for a permit, the area committee had to consider whether to impose conditions on the event or prohibit it entirely.

Ultimately, they unanimously agreed to support a motion to prohibit the march on the grounds of disruption to the local community and concerns over undue strain on the police force.

Decision made on Stonehaven Orange Walk

Kincardine and Mearns Committee members ahead of the meeting discussing the proposed Orange Walk in Stonehaven. — Committee members preparing for the meeting. Image: by Scott Baxter/DC Thomson.

Committee chairwoman Sarah Dickinson said: “The committee faced a challenging decision in terms of balancing the rights of the organisers to submit the notification for the procession, and the very strong response it has drawn from the community.

“While the organisers provided useful contributions around the management of the proposed procession, the committee felt these did not outweigh the various concerns raised on behalf of the community and the potential additional burden on police to ensure its safe running.”

On leaving the meeting, members of the Orange Order announced they will appeal the decision.

Saying: “We’ll march straight into the Sheriff Court.”

Community’s views represented

Inspector George Nixon spoke on behalf of the police who said they would need a “significant” presence in Stonehaven if the Orange Walk took place.

Although this would be “achievable”, they would need to pull officers from across the north-east which would put a “burden” on other areas.

A number of people opposed to the plan also spoke at the meeting to share their views on why they think it should be prohibited, including Neil Young who started a petition calling for the walk to be stopped.

Inspector George Nixon at the committee meeting table — Inspector George Nixon seated ahead of the meeting. Image: by Scott Baxter/DC Thomson.

James Stephen from Stonehaven and District Community Council spoke on behalf of the community.

He said: “We have got a letter from the majority of pubs that will be closing as well as independent shops looking to close. One shop owner has considered boarding up their windows.

“It wasn’t that long ago we were looking for sandbags, now we’re looking to board up windows.”

The community council also stated the march should be “upgraded” to an event and viewed as such for health and safety reasons.

Mr Stephen added: “Stonehaven welcomes a lot of people from all over the world for events in the town. We feel these events will be affected in the future if there is trouble at this march.

“We do not want trouble in our town.”

‘Anxiety’ about proposals

William Henry, organiser of Orange Walk, and Christina Stirk, a local business owner, at meeting — William Henry, the man behind plans for a controversial orange march, and local business owner Christina Stirk. Image: by Scott Baxter/DC Thomson.

In its decision, the area committee also cited the “wider mental health” of the community, which had expressed anxiety and stress about the proposals.

Local business owner Christina Stirk said: “Is the risk low? I do not think so.

“Their human rights do not trump our human rights”.

She also highlighted the intention of a number of pubs and businesses in the town to close on the day.

“This weekend is supposed to be a Celtic match, a Scotland rugby game and St Patrick’s Day but pubs will now close.

“These businesses took a huge hit during Covid and would take another hit that weekend.”

‘Marching to court’

The motion to raise an order to prohibit the procession was made by Councillor Wendy Agnew and seconded by Councillor Alan Turner.

He said: “People who have come to me with concerns are long-term residents. I do not recall anything that has created so much anxiety in our community.”

Prior to this, Orange Order representative James McLean answered a number of questions from councillors and confirmed there were 40 members of the new Orange Lodge from Stonehaven and surrounding areas.

He said: “We absolutely invite the members of this committee to uphold the democratic right of their freedom of peaceful public assembly, which should be available to all.”

WIlliam Henry, the man behind plans for a controversial orange march. — William Henry at the committee meeting where the Orange Walk was discussed. Image: Scott Baxter/DC Thomson.

The notice of public procession was submitted by William Henry on January 8 for the Dunnottar Martyrs Memorial.

It stated around 200 members of the Orange Order would take part in the flute march from Stonehaven Town Hall to Dunnottar Church on Saturday, March 16.

Several local businesses came out to say they would close their doors on the day over safety concerns, while more than 9,000 people signed the petition.

In response, the Orange Order claimed the petition was “stirring up anti-Orange and Protestant hatred”.

Orange Order representative, David Walters, said: “We are disappointed but not surprised, I believe we won the legal argument, but it was apparent that the councillors had already made their mind up against their own solicitors advice and guidance.

“We will now seek legal advice and appeal to Aberdeen Sheriff Court.”