A COURT appeal over a Scottish council's decision to block an Orange Order walk from going ahead will be heard on Friday.
Aberdeenshire Council had determined that the parade in Stonehaven could have been a threat to safety and community life, and had concerns over undue strain on the police force.
However, an appeal is due to take place at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Friday. If successful, the parade could still take place on March 16.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland - who lodged the appeal - has said that if it wins the appeal, the event will proceed as a "peaceful and respectful procession" on Saturday.
READ MORE: Orange Order march: Scottish businesses to close if Orange walk approved
The plans led to a huge backlash with more than 10,000 people signing a petition calling for the parade to be banned, which was set to mark the opening of an Orange Lodge in Stonehaven.
David Walkers, executive officer at the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, previously rejected accusations of “anti-Catholic and anti-Irish hostility” made against the procession by the petition.
"This is usually the allegation that is posted against us without any evidence to suggest that is the case,” he said.
"We're a very peaceful organisation, all of our members conduct themselves in the proper manner."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel