Thousands sign petition against Apprentice Boys of Derry march in Inverness
Hundreds are due to turn out for the parade which is happening on April 20th
Last updated 12th Apr 2024
A petition urging for a parade in Inverness to be stopped now has more than 2500 signatures.
Hundreds are due to turn out for the Apprentice Boys of Derry march which is happening in the city next weekend.
The event was given the go ahead by Highland Council, but many have criticised the parade describing it as a "hate walk."
However, those behind the event refute claims it will stoke tension.
March is "deeply alarming"
Highland Council say the parade taking place in Inverness on Saturday April 20th between 14:45 to 16:30, will affect various streets in the area including: Victoria Drive, Crown Drive, Crown Road, Eastgate, High Street, Bridge Street, Castle Road, Ness Bank and Cavell Gardens, Haugh Road.
Previous Highland Council records show how the event has been held in the city since 2008.
It's thought around 300 people will attend.
Alasdair Marshall, has now set up a petition urging for the march not to go ahead after hundreds took to social media to voice their concerns.
He said: "As a Highland resident deeply concerned about the peace and harmony in our community, I am alarmed by the upcoming march planned by The Apprentice Boys of Derry on 20th April 2024 through our tranquil streets of Inverness.
"This group's traditions, music, marches and practices are deeply rooted in sectarianism. Not only would this event - with its expected 300 marchers - severely disrupt daily activities and cause significant traffic congestion, but it also risks poisoning our peaceful environment.
"The Apprentice boys Derry, along with the Orange Order are organisations with a history of anti-Catholic and anti-Irish hostility. We have seen too often elsewhere how Orange Order parades foment a threatening atmosphere, which can spill over into violence and abuse.
"This intimidatory practice cannot be justified on the grounds of freedom of expression.
"Our Highland Council has always been committed to promoting peace, unity and respect among all residents regardless their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
"It is therefore crucial that we prevent any event that could potentially incite hostility or division among us.
"We must stand together to protect our community from any form of disruption or potential harm.
"Let us urge Highland Council to reconsider allowing this parade to take place within our peaceful city limits. Please sign this petition today to help maintain peace in Inverness."
Parade is simply "commemorating and celebrating" group's history and culture
The General Secretary of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, William Moore, has defended the march.
He said: "The City of Inverness Apprentice Boys Club has been holding an annual parade in Inverness since the club opened 15 years ago.
"There has never been trouble at the parade which consists of a few hundred members.
"The event creates very little disruption and concludes after a short walk through the city centre.
"The people who describe the parade as a hate march really need to reflect on their own level of tolerance and respect for other cultures and traditions.
"The parade is simply members of the association commemorating and celebrating their history and culture.
"A privilege our forefathers fought and died for, to ensure freedom of expression for everyone.
"As British citizens we uphold the freedoms won by our predecessors in many conflicts.
"The members of the Apprentice Boys will not humbly or cowardly walk away from those that wish to suppress that freedom, which enriches our birthright and cultural identity.
"The Officers and Members of the governing body of the Apprentice Boys of Derry commend and congratulate our members in Inverness for organising this annual parade, thus ensuring the sacrifice of our forefathers is not forgotten in the North of Scotland."
A Highland Council spokesperson said: "We note the terms of the petition and any action will be considered according to the council’s normal petition procedure."
The local authority's petitions page can be viewed here.