THOUSANDS marched through the streets of Glasgow today attending the largest Orange Order event since lockdown was lifted.

Over 50 Orange parades took place in the city following the cancellation of marches last year due to the Covid pandemic ruling out large gatherings.

Glasgow Times: [Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images][Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images]

The event, organised by the County Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, commemorates the 1690 Battle of the Boyne.

During the processions, which began as early as 8am, 32 roads in the city closed to traffic.

Glasgow Times: [Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images][Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images]

Lodges from across Glasgow converged in the city centre before heading to Glasgow Green.

Glasgow Times: [Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images][Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images]

The plans were met with some criticism, with various routes today passing Catholic places of worship. 

Following an assault on a Catholic priest in July 2018, marches were re-routed to avoid passing St Alphonsus church on London Road in 2019.

When approaching a church, all music from marchers must cease and participants were to remain silent while services were in progress.

Glasgow Times: [Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images][Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images]

Orangemen and women marching through Easterhouse were met by protestors.

Members of 'Call It Out', who campaign against anti-Catholic bigotry, took part in a protest against the processions outside of St. Benedict's Church.

 

Glasgow Times: [Photograph: Robert Perry/PA Wire.][Photograph: Robert Perry/PA Wire.]

Glasgow Times: [Photograph: Robert Perry/PA Wire.][Photograph: Robert Perry/PA Wire.]

Police issued a statement this afternoon condemning alleged "racist and sectarian singing" by some of those attending to support the parades.

Glasgow's leading police officer, Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland said this behaviour is "utterly unacceptable".

He added that "it is clear that sectarianism remains a serious, ongoing problem in Scotland" and that "this is a collective problem and needs to be addressed in a collective, collaborative manner."

Arrests have been made in connection to various offences.

Glasgow Times: [Photograph: Robert Perry/PA Wire.][Photograph: Robert Perry/PA Wire.]

A statement from the Chief Superintendent reads: "We are aware that on a number occasions today there have been outbreaks of racist and sectarian singing by some of those attending to support the Orange Order processions, this is utterly unacceptable and we completely condemn this behaviour.

Glasgow Times: [Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images][Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images]

"Where possible, we are seeking to take action against those intent on causing harm and dividing our communities, we have already made arrests in connection with various offences and will continue to do so where required. With large crowds gathering today, our main priority has been public safety and to ensure minimum disruption to the wider public.

Glasgow Times: [Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images][Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images]

"Once again, we see a number of people intent in causing offence and stirring up hatred by singing unacceptable sectarian and racist songs, I want to again condemn this behaviour in the strongest possible terms.

Glasgow Times: [Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images][Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images]

"It is clear that sectarianism remains a serious, ongoing problem in Scotland and whilst policing has an important role in tackling this type of behaviour, this is a collective problem and needs to be addressed in a collective, collaborative manner."

Glasgow Times: [Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images][Photograph by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images]