AN Orange marching band has expelled one of its members after trouble at this weekend’s annual Boyne parade through Glasgow.

The move came shortly after videos emerged of a woman being jostled and spat at during the annual event.

Leading Orangemen - who had already re-routed the parade to avoid a flashpoint east end Catholic Church - said they would not tolerate “unacceptable behaviour”.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, which organises what is the biggest event of the marching season, said: “We have already contacted one band from the parade on Saturday and that has led to the expulsion of at least one member."

It added: “Looking ahead, we will continue to work with relevant authorities, but also seek to build on the positive steps we have taken with senior members of the Catholic Church in Scotland to work together on shared solutions where all religions show mutual respect and tolerance.”

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The Grand Lodge had re-routed the march in response to carefully worded comments from Leo Cushley, the Archbishop of Edinburgh and St Andrews, who said he had no problems with Orange parades passing Catholic Churches “if it is done respectfully”.

The march this weekend was diverted away from St Alphonsus Church in the East End, where Canon Tom White was spat on last year during the same parade.

READ MORE: Loyalist march cancelled after re-route away from Catholic church

Canon White himself made a private statement on Tuesday accusing local and national authorities, including the police, of “seeming blind” to what he called anti-Catholic bigotry.

He said: “There is a systemic failure at national and local level in ensuring the safety of all citizens, and particularly the minority Catholic group, during the Loyal Order marching season.”

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The cleric had suggested authorities had failed in their statutory duties, a claim that was condemned by Glasgow City Council.

A spokesman said: “The city was, rightly, disgusted by the attack on Canon White a year ago and we should all condemn threatening and abusive behaviour.

"However, it is simply incorrect to say that the council has the legal power to do what it is being asked to do.

"It is also important to be clear that our statutory obligations are broader and considerably more complex than is suggested here.”

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Glasgow said: “Canon White’s concerns are shared by many people of all faiths and none. The thuggish scenes at last weekend’s marches were shameful. It is for the Police and city council to act promptly and firmly to ensure such scenes are not repeated.”

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: "Public safety is a priority for Police Scotland and we also respect the right to assembly.

"The decision to amend the route, the timing or prohibit any procession is a matter for the relevant local authority.

"However, Police Scotland is committed to assisting councils to make an informed decision by making appropriate representations on notifications which could potentially significantly risk public safety, disorder, damage to property or disruption to the life of the community.

"In advance of any procession, a comprehensive and appropriate policing and traffic management plan will be put in place to ensure the safety of those taking part, anyone taking part in a lawful counter demonstration and to minimise the potential for disruption to the local community.

"We will work closely with councils, the organisers and other stakeholders to facilitate a procession and any counter demonstration safely. Police Scotland is happy to engage with any organisation or member of the public to discuss our policing of these events.

"Retrospective enquiries are underway regarding certain aspects of this weekend's events. As with any operational activity, Police Scotland will review its policing plan to establish what learning can be taken from this deployment."