Group set up to examine marches and parades

A new independent group on marches and parades has been set up by the Scottish Government.

The short life working group brings together experts on marches, human rights, community engagement and mediation.

It follows a commitment made in September last year to look at the issue after raised community tensions following sectarian, racist and anti-Catholic incidents.

Members will consider whether other models used to regulate marches and parades – including the Parades Commission in Northern Ireland – can be adapted and applied to Scotland.

A report of initial findings will be provided in the summer.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans, Keith Brown, said: “The right to peacefully march and parade is fundamental to all democracies, but the right to march must be balanced with the rights of communities to go about their business undisturbed.

“We are determined to achieve that balance and are open to considering all options which will help to ensure that such a balance is struck.

“The findings of the expert working group will help us as we make progress on this important issue.”

Chair of the working group, Professor Dominic Bryan, said: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to review marches and parades in Scotland and the mechanisms that balance the rights of marchers and the communities impacted by marches.”