NICOLA Sturgeon is to consider setting up a Northern Ireland-style Parades Commission in Scotland following arrests during Orange walks at the weekend. 

The First Minister insisted there is "no place" for anti-Catholic bigotry in modern Scotland. 

Police previously condemned "outbreaks of racist and sectarian singing", with 14 people arrested for various offences.

During First Minister's Questions, SNP MSP James Dornan condemned "disgraceful anti-Catholic singing during the Orange Order marches throughout the city of Glasgow". 

He said: "At least three of their routes included marching past Roman Catholic churches, causing a great deal of distress and concern to the members of those parishes and the wider church in Scotland. 

"Given these events, First Minister, would you consider the creation of a Parades Commission, similar to what already happens in Northern Ireland, to take a non-partisan and independent look at the number and route of such parades? 

"Anyone old enough to remember the annual battles at Drumcree will verify the difference the Commission has made in Northern Ireland."

Mr Dornan, who represents Glasgow Cathcart, said there were "shameful reports of Glasgow city councillors receiving death threats when any possible restrictions of Orange parades were discussed". 

He said he had "no doubt that just as in Northern Ireland, a Parades Commission would go a long way towards taking some of the heat out of the discussion of parades". 

Northern Ireland's Parades Commission was established in 1998 following violence and unrest associated with parades in the town of Portadown, known as the Drumcree conflict.

It is an independent public body with seven members and is responsible for placing restrictions on any parades.

Responding to Mr Dornan, Ms Sturgeon said: "In regard to the specific proposal of a Parades Commission, yes I am happy that the Government gives that further consideration. 

"I have already asked the Justice Secretary to consider what further action could be taken to maintain the important balance of rights between peaceful procession, freedom of speech, but also the ability of people to go about their daily lives without feeling unsafe and being free from harassment. 

"So I'll ask the Justice Secretary to consider the possible creation of a Parades Commission as part of that.

"I think it is important to stress that peaceful public assembly and freedom of expression are fundamentally important rights, and I know we're all committed to upholding these. 

"But it is also a fundamental right of any person and any community to go about their daily business without fears for their safety. 

"I know that members will join me in unequivocally condemning all instances of anti-Catholic bigotry, which we have seen on our streets in recent times. 

"There is no place for it in a modern Scotland and we must all show zero tolerance towards it.

"But in terms of the specific proposal, I can confirm that we will give that consideration and we will report back to Parliament further in due course."