Renfrewshire Council Rejects Paisley District 150th Anniversary Civic Hospitality Request

The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland is extremely disappointed by Renfrewshire Council's decision today to reject a civic hospitality request made by Paisley Loyal Orange Lodge No. 6 District to mark its 150th anniversary. The request, valued at £2,100, was refused by a vote of 7 to 5 at the Council's Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board. Executive Officer, Bro. David Walters, has responded to the local press with the following statement.

Paisley District Loyal Orange Lodge has been part of the fabric of Paisley for 150 years. Throughout that time it has played a positive and active role within the local community, supporting numerous charitable causes and community initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, members assisted vulnerable residents and provided food parcels to local Fire and Ambulance stations in support of frontline workers and those most in need, regardless of faith or background.

The request made by Paisley District was simply for recognition of 150 years of service and contribution to the town. Such recognition was previously granted to one of our Private Lodges in 2012 to mark its bicentenary. The obvious question therefore is: what has changed?

The comments made by SNP Group Leader Iain Nicolson are both disappointing and disrespectful. They demonstrate a lack of understanding of the Orange Institution generally and Paisley District specifically, and give the impression of a political agenda directed against a section of the Protestant community. His question as to whether our Institution has "reconciled itself to its past behaviour and the way it has operated" raises serious questions. What precisely does he mean by this statement? Such remarks ignore the substantial contribution made by our members to civic and charitable life across Scotland, and appear wholly inconsistent with the oft-repeated principle of One Scotland, Many Cultures.

It is noted that Conservative councillor James MacLaren requested more time to debate the application, and that this was refused. It would appear that, regardless of the positive points raised, the SNP administration had already made its decision.

The Orange Institution has modernised significantly over recent decades and continues to do so. We remain committed to engaging positively with all communities and fostering greater understanding between different traditions. Our executives have been involved in engagement initiatives with representatives of the Republic of Ireland aimed at building relationships and encouraging dialogue among diverse communities throughout Scotland. We are also developing relationships with different faith and cultural groups through Faith Scotland.

At a time when public bodies should be promoting equality, fairness, and mutual respect, decisions of this nature raise legitimate concerns about whether the Protestant community is being treated equitably. We believe all communities should be afforded the same respect and recognition for their contributions to society.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland and Paisley District Loyal Orange Lodge will continue to serve their communities with pride, uphold their traditions with dignity, and work constructively with all those who seek to build a stronger and more inclusive Scotland.