THE north east of Scotland has seen its first Orange Order march in 25 years.
Around 50 people took part in the walk through Stonehaven, in Aberdeenshire, organised by the Dunnottar Martyrs Memorial Loyal Orange Lodge, the BBC reported.
Around 10 times as many people – more than 500 – had complained to Aberdeenshire Council in a bid to stop the march going ahead.
However, it was ultimately green-lit under a number of conditions, including no music being played near churches.
The Stonehaven march took place from 8am on Saturday, June 27, to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne – a symbol of Protestant victory.
A small number of protesters waved Saltires and honked on horns as the march passed.
A post on the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland Facebook page from the lodge of Scotland's executive officer David Walters called it a “historic day”.
Walters wrote: “Glad to report the parade in Stonehaven was a great success with only a handful of protesters, they were completely outnumbered by locals walking with and supporting the parade.
“Congratulations go to the Worthy Master Bro. John Armstrong and the Brethren of Dunnottar Martyrs Memorial LOL 1685 and Newmains Loyalists Flute Band for their exemplary conduct during the parade.
“A historic day in Stonehaven.”
Police Scotland said the day had passed without incident.
In 2024, more than 10,000 people signed a petition to stop an Orange Order march in Stonehaven, and it was ultimately blocked.
The last march in the north east took place in Aberdeen in 2001, and saw protests follow the 200 attendees through the city centre.
Before that, an Orange march had not taken place in Aberdeen for 14 years.
Analysis by The National earlier this month found that Scotland will see more than 160 Orange Order and loyalist marches across the country in the next three months.
On July 4, more than 30 roads across Glasgow will face restrictions as more than 11,000 Orange Order members take part in a large-scale march.
