Indy march ordered to reroute following Police Scotland advice

The organisers of a pro-independence march in Glasgow have been ordered to re-route.

Councillors ruled the Scottish Independence Movement must end its procession on Saturday, November 2 in Shuttle Street instead of George Square, which had initially been proposed.

The decision was made after advice from Police Scotland, with the force facing an “exceptionally challenging” day as two loyalist marches, a pro-independence rally in George Square, organised by The National newspaper, and the Scottish League Cup semi-final between Celtic and Hibernian at Hampden Park are set to take place.

Organiser Manny Singh had agreed to change the start time of the march to 11.30am but did not agree on an alternative route.

Asked, at the council’s public processions committee, whether he would comply with the conditions imposed, he said: “It will all depend what decision you make here today.”

The pro-independence group has offered to finish in John Street but the council believed this could cause significant disruption. Police Scotland raised concerns over policing a parade with an “unclear” plan.

“Given the uncertainty in the number of participants taking part in the procession, the dispersal point suggested by the organiser could lead to substantial city centre disruption,” a council report stated.

“It is therefore suggested the dispersal point be Shuttle Street to minimise the disruption and detrimental impact the procession could have on the city centre.”

“Such an approach would recognise the organiser’s rights of freedom of assembly but balance it against the disruption to the life of the community in the vicinity of the procession.”

The Scottish Independence Movement was recently launched by former members of All Under One Banner (AUOB), including Manny Singh.

He was reported to the procurator fiscal for failing to comply with conditions imposed on an AUOB procession in Glasgow in May.

Organisers ignored a council order to change the start time of that march which had been made due to fears for public safety and possible disruption to the community.

Mr Singh was sacked by AUOB in July, a decision he disputed.

A report to the public processions committee reveals council officers have raised “serious concerns” over the organiser’s “complete disregard of any health and safety legislation” and “environmental health controls” during the previous march.

The authority was notified about the new organisation’s intention to march last month, stating the reason for the procession, starting at Kelvin Way, was “to make a serious impact and be noticed”.

Byline: Drew Sandelands