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DUP leader guest speaker at Scotland's Orange demonstrations

Saturday, 4 July 2009

First Minister Peter Robinson will be the guest speaker today at one of Scotland’s major Orange demonstrations. He will deliver the keynote address at the demonstration in Cumnock, Ayrshire, which is second only to the main march in Glasgow.

Ian Wilson, grand master of the Orange Lodge of Scotland said: “We are delighted that Peter Robinson has agreed to be our guest speaker. He was at a meeting attended by Jim McHarg, the Grand Master of Ayrshire and readily agreed to come over for our Cumnock demonstration.”

Some 72 lodges and 32 bands will attend the demonstration and the theme is Boyne celebrations. And there will be 182 lodges and 92 bands in Glasgow, adding up to 15,000 on parade at both venues.

Hundreds of people travel annually from Northern Ireland for the demonstration and this is the case today.

Meanwhile the organisers have thrown their support behind police plans to deal with any drunken and disorderly behaviour. New legislation allows the police to issue spot fines of £40 for antisocial behaviour or drinking alcohol in public.

Ian Wilson said: “For too long our celebrations have been blighted by the infamous Scottish binge-drinking culture. The behaviour of a minority can spoil the entire day for our own members. I would appeal to leave the booze at home.”